Question
I planted my first garden this year and was rewarded with chemical free vegetables. I planted four cucumber plants and all produced well and then died as summer set in here in Texas.  However, another (what I thought) was a cucumber plant grew.  It is producing a small, 1 to 3 inches so far, vegetable that looks like a miniature water melon.  When I sliced one open, it looks and smells like a cucumber.  Do you have any idea what this type of vegetable I have growing?  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Gail:

Congratulations on becoming an organic gardener and your early success with chemical free veggies!!  The organic produce just tastes better doesn't it?  Keep it up......the joys of organic gardening are wonderful and exciting!

The unknown vegetable you're growing in your garden is likely either a cucumber (of some variety), zucchini, or a watermelon.  If you started your garden with potted transplants, then most likely a labeling mistake created this interesting surprise.  Cucumbers are members of the same family as pumpkin, courgette (zucchini), and watermelon.

Wishing you continued success and happy gardening.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee