Fall Cucumbers? Yes, You Can Plant a Second Crop for an Autumn Harvest
Discovering Fall Cucumbers: Extending Our Harvests
Hey friends! Have you ever wondered if you could squeeze in one more harvest from your garden before the frost hits? I've been exploring something called "fall cucumbers," and I think you'll find it interesting!
What Exactly Are "Fall Cucumbers"?
So, here’s the scoop: fall cucumbers aren’t a special variety. They’re just a second crop of any cucumber you already love! After our summer cucumbers start to fade—thanks to the heat, pests, or diseases—we can plant again for a fresh harvest in the cooler months.
When Should We Plant Them?
Timing is everything! I’ve learned that we need to plant our fall cucumbers about 10-12 weeks before the first expected frost. For most of us, that means sowing seeds in mid-to-late summer—around July or early August. It’s crucial to give them enough time to mature and produce fruit before the cold sets in.
Why Bother with a Fall Crop?
You might wonder why it’s worth the effort. Well, I’ve found two big reasons:
Fewer Pests and Diseases: Many of those pesky bugs and problems we deal with in spring and early summer tend to chill out when the temperatures drop. This means our fall cucumbers can grow with less hassle.
Better Flavor: In my experience, cucumbers can get a bit bitter in the summer heat. But when we plant in the cooler fall weather, they tend to taste sweeter and more refreshing. Perfect for salads or snacks!
What Varieties Should We Try?
While you can plant just about any cucumber for a fall harvest, I’ve had success with a few varieties that are particularly reliable:
'Spacemaster': This one’s great for planting in small garden spaces and it’s disease resistance
'Carolina Hybrid': A classic that produces uniform, tasty cucumbers.
I think giving fall cucumbers a shot could really extend our gardening season and let us enjoy fresh produce for longer. Reach out & share your pics and thoughts. I’d love to hear how it goes! Happy gardening!