How to Grow Cucumbers in a Wicking Bed

Growing cucumbers in a wicking bed is an effective and efficient way to cultivate this popular vegetable.

A wicking bed is a raised garden bed that uses a self-watering system to deliver moisture to plants' roots via capillary action. Wicking beds can be used to grow a wide range of crops, and cucumbers are a great choice for this type of bed because they require a lot of water and can benefit from a constant supply of moisture.

In this article, we'll explore the key steps to growing cucumbers in a wicking bed and highlight some of the benefits.

Do Cucumbers Grow Well in a Wicking Bed?

There are several benefits to growing cucumbers in a wicking bed, including:

Water Efficiency: Wicking beds are a highly efficient way to water plants. They use a self-watering system that delivers moisture directly to the roots via capillary action, reducing water waste and ensuring that plants receive a consistent supply of water.

Reduced Watering Frequency: Because wicking beds provide a constant supply of moisture to plants, they require less frequent watering than traditional garden beds. This can save time and effort, especially during hot, dry weather when plants require more water.

Improved Plant Health: By providing a consistent supply of moisture and nutrients to plants, wicking beds can improve plant health and reduce stress. This can lead to stronger, healthier plants that are less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Space Efficiency: Wicking beds are a great way to grow vegetables in small spaces, as they can be built in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any area. They are also ideal for growing crops in areas with poor soil or other growing challenges.

Step 1: Preparing a Wicking Bed for Cucumbers

Before you start growing cucumbers, you'll need to prepare your wicking bed. A wicking bed is a raised garden bed with a water reservoir at the bottom. The water reservoir is filled with gravel, sand, or another porous material, and a layer of soil is placed on top. The plants are grown in the soil layer and receive water from the reservoir via capillary action.

The depth of the water reservoir in the wicking bed is important because it affects the amount of water available to the plants. A depth of around 20-30 cm is recommended to ensure there is enough water for the plants to grow. The soil layer on top of the water reservoir should be at least 30 cm deep to provide enough space for the roots to grow. You can read more about the wicking bed soil mixes here.

Wicking beds can be complex to construct, Urbanveg.com.au have installed hundreds of beds in and around the greater Sydney area and can provide a wide variety of planters and raised beds.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cucumber Variety

There are many different varieties of cucumbers, but not all of them are suitable for growing in a wicking bed. Some cucumber varieties require more water than others, and some are better suited to certain growing conditions. For example, some cucumber varieties prefer cooler temperatures, while others prefer warmer temperatures.

One variety that is well-suited to growing in a wicking bed is the Lebanese cucumber. This variety is small, crisp, and has a mild flavour. It also produces fruit relatively quickly, making it a great choice for those who want to see results quickly. Other good varieties for wicking beds include the Suyo Long cucumber and the Diva cucumber.

Step 3: Plant the Cucumber Seedlings

Once you've prepared your wicking bed and chosen your cucumber variety, it's time to plant the seedlings. Cucumber seedlings can be planted directly into the soil layer on top of the water reservoir. It's important to ensure that the soil layer is moist before planting to help the seedlings establish themselves.

Cucumber seedlings should be planted around 30-45 cm apart to allow enough space for the plants to grow. It's also a good idea to add some mulch to the soil layer to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Step 4: Water the Cucumbers

One of the biggest advantages of growing cucumbers in a wicking bed is that they receive a constant supply of water. The water reservoir at the bottom of the bed ensures that the soil layer stays moist, which is essential for healthy cucumber growth.

However, it's still important to monitor the moisture levels in the soil layer and top up the water reservoir as needed. The soil layer should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

Step 5: Fertilize the Cucumbers

Cucumbers require a lot of nutrients to grow, and it's important to fertilize them regularly to ensure they have everything they need. A balanced fertilizer with a 20-20-20 ratio is a good choice for cucumbers, as it provides them with the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium they need to grow.

It's a good idea to apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to ensure you are using the correct amount for your wicking bed size and cucumber plants. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost, manure or worm castings, which are slow-release and provide a steady supply of nutrients to the plants.

Step 6: Control Pests and Diseases

Cucumbers are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, and it's important to take steps to prevent and control them. One of the advantages of growing cucumbers in a wicking bed is that it reduces the likelihood of certain diseases, such as soil-borne diseases, as the plants are not in direct contact with the soil. Mulching the bed is also very important to prevent evaporation, and reduce the chances of splashing of fungal spores from the soil onto the lower leaves.

However, pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can still be a problem. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help prevent pest infestations from getting out of control. You can also use natural methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests.

In terms of diseases, one common issue is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can affect cucumbers. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure that your plants have good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering, as this can increase humidity levels and create ideal conditions for the fungus to grow. If you do notice powdery mildew on your plants, you can use a fungicide or a mixture of milk and water to control the fungus.

Step 7: Harvesting Cucumbers

Cucumbers are typically ready for harvesting around 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. You can harvest cucumbers when they reach their mature size, which varies depending on the variety. Lebanese cucumbers are usually around 10-15 cm long when mature, while Suyo Long cucumbers can grow up to 30 cm long.

It's important to harvest cucumbers regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit. Leaving mature cucumbers on the plant can cause the plant to slow down or stop producing new fruit.

Growing Cucumbers in Wicking Beds

Using a wicking bed to grow cucumbers is an effective and efficient way to cultivate this amazing vegetable. By choosing the right cucumber variety, preparing the wicking bed, providing regular water and fertilization, controlling pests and diseases, and harvesting the cucumbers regularly, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious cucumbers. And don't forget to keep some seeds for next year!