Growing English Cucumbers in a Greenhouse

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Q: We have started a few of English cucumber and so far they are doing well. They are in our greenhouse, its not a functioning green house, just the shell, with no heat. During the day we leave the door open, in hope of the bees or other bugs enter to help pollinate, but so far no luck.

Is there something we can do to help the process? Also I was told that watering the leaves and such wasn’t good for these plants? We’re having a family debate whether setting them in water is a good idea? Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Many varieties of English cucumbers seeds have self pollinating all female flowers. Just in case your seed variety has male and female flowers the male flowers have to be removed. The female flowers have a tiny cucumber forming behind the flower. Male flowers just have a thin stock.

Cucumbers prefer small doses of water which is applied frequently. The soil should be moist at all times, but not soggy. Only the soil gets watered. Cucumbers like humidity and on hot days hose down the floor of the greenhouse but not the plants.

Inside the greenhouse make sure there is adequate ventilation and air circulation. You mention your greenhouse is not heated so during the night the door and vents should be closed to keep the heat in.

Tip: When first fruits are visible feed the plants every two weeks with tomato fertilizer.