Sow 6-8 cucumber seeds 1-inch deep in 12-inch hills placed 6-feet apart. Thin to 3-4 plants per hill. Trellising will save garden space and improve airflow around plants.
Harvest when young for eating fresh or pickles. Allow to fully mature on the vine to save the seeds; wait several weeks after maturity until fruits have changed in color to yellow before harvesting.
To save the seeds:
Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the seeds into a jar with tepid water. Label the variety! Cucumber seeds need to ferment at temperatures between 70-80 degrees F for 1-3 days to separate pulp from the seeds. On day 3, discard the floating seeds and rinse the remaining seeds. Spread the seeds on a coffee filter and dry thoroughly, be sure to label each sample with all important information.
Planting your saved seeds:
Isolation distance needed to separate varieties that can cross pollinate for seed saving is 800-1,200 feet. Save seeds from 5-10 plants. If stored when completely dry in airtight, cold, dry conditions seeds can be viable for 5 years.
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