Tarting cucumber seeds indoors from seed is a rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels. Starting them indoors provides an early head start on the season and gives gardeners more control over temperature conditions, pests, and fertilizing. Cucumbers are warm-weather vegetables that do best in hot weather, but starting them indoors gives you the chance to enjoy them all year round!
The process of growing cucumber seeds indoors is simple and requires just a few materials. This method of growing is especially helpful for beginner gardeners and those who live in climates with short growing seasons. Starting the seeds indoors also allows for more precise monitoring of growth, making it easier to determine when the plants are ready for transplanting into the garden.
To get started, gather the following materials:
Soak your seeds in labeled cups for 12-24 hours before planting them. Soaking the seeds helps them germinate, and ensures that they are ready to plant when you are!
Once the seeds have germinated, it is important to keep them in the proper growing conditions. The soil should be kept moist at all times, and the plants should be exposed to sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours per day. This can be done by placing the pots or trays in a sunny window, or by using grow lights.
As the plants begin to grow, it is important to feed them regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and love to absorb nutrients, so the more you give them, the better they will perform.