The cucumber plant is principally grown as a result of its many uses. This plant has many uses across the board and more so in the making of squashes. Most people use the cucumber plant to make salads which is an important nutritional component of most diets. Different peoples throughout the world use the cucumber for varying applications. This plant is one of the easiest to plant and harvest successfully. You do not need large tracts of land to undertake the same. The following are the steps that you need to follow in order to successfully raise healthy and productive cucumber plants.

Steps to follow:
? To begin with, you will need to visit the local nursery so that you can start the planting exercise. Purchase some cucumber seeds.
? In case you desire to raise cucumbers of the pickle type, then you are advised to purchase seedlings of the pickle variety. For those who desire to have the cucumbers fresh, you are advised to buy seedlings for the slicing cucumber variety.

Nutrition experts have published reports detailing the effects that nutrients found in cucumbers have on the body. They are able to bring about healthy looking nails, hair and skin. In order for the cucumber plant to do well, it needs to be planted in an area that has warm weather. They are unable to bear long spells of extreme weather whether cold or hot. As they sprout and start growing, you need to constantly watch them since they are prone to being affected by several diseases as well as falling prey to insects. Once you have identified a good spot in your garden or even in a pot (the pot has to have holes on the bottom part for good drainage) you can proceed with the actual planting procedure.

? Dig up a hole and input at least three seedlings so that you increase germination chances. The holes of individual seedlings should be approximately 40cm apart.
? Ensure that the seeds are at a depth of approximately 2.5cm.
? If you are planting cucumber in your garden, ensure that the garden soil is excellently drained. The beds should also be raised approximately 6 inches above ground. Cucumbers thrive in loamy soils.
? Even if you plant the cucumber in a pot, ensure that the soil in the pot is enriched through the use of organic matter and manure.
? Ensure that the area where you plant the cucumber is in an area of the garden that receives ample sunshine. If you have planted the plant in a pot, have the pot in an area that it can get exposure to the sun.
? The cucumber plant should be watered at least twice a week.
? Ensure that the plants are regularly weeded so that the plants grow in a healthy manner.

The cucumber plant should be adequately guarded from squash vine borers, squash bugs and beetles. Approximately 2 months after planting the cucumber, it will manure and be ready for harvesting.

This article touched the basics of the topic. I have 2 more resources related to the above. They are http://www.growguides.net/how-to-grow-cucumbers.html”>how to grow Cucumber and how to plant Cucumber. Do consider reading them.