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Growing Cucumber Seeds:CUCUMBER GROWING TIPS:To improve overall cucumber production, consider using the following two techniques. Use black or brown plastic mulch. Because a warm, moist soil is essential for top production, use dark plastic mulch on the cucumber bed. This will speed up growth and increase yields by conserving soil moisture and maintaining a high soil temperature. The mulch will also keep weeds at bay.Think vertical! When planning the garden, consider growing vining cucumber varieties like 'Sweet Success' and 'Tasty Green' vertically on a trellis, fence, or other support. This makes the best use of garden space by containing the vines and keeping them from sprawling throughout the garden, as well as keeping the fruits clean and straight as they develop above the ground. Researchers have proven that growing cucumbers vertically dramatically increases yields because the vines receive better air circulation and more sunlight than vines on the ground.Planting:Cucumbers are seeded or transplanted outside in the ground no earlier than 2 weeks after last frost date. Cucumbers are extremely susceptible to frost damage; the soil must be at least 65���������������������������������������������������������������ºF for germination. Do not plant outside too soon!For an early crop, start cucumber seeds indoors about 3 weeks before you transplant them in the ground. They like bottom heat of about 70���������������������������������������������������������������ºF (21���������������������������������������������������������������ºC). If you don�������������������������������¢����������������������������������������������������������������t have a heat mat, put the seeds flat on top of the refrigerator or perch a few on top of the water heater.Before you plant outside, select a site with full sun.Ideally, soil should be neutral or slightly alkaline with a pH of 7.0. Improve clay soil by adding organic matter. Improve dense, heavy soili by adding peat, compost or rotted manure. (Get a soil test if you are unsure of your soil type; contact your local county cooperative extension.) Light, sandy soils are preferred for northern gardens, as they warm quickly in the spring.Mix in compost and/or aged manure before planting to a depth of 2 inches and work into the soil 6 to 8 inches deep. Make sure that soil is moist and well-drained, not soggy.Sow seeds in rows, 1 inch deep and 6 to 10 inches apart.If you are transplanting seedlings, plant them 12 inches apart.A trellis might be a good idea if you want the vine to climb, or if you have limited space. Trellising also protects the fruit from damage from lying on the moist ground.