How to Grow Cucumbers Indoors

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Choose hybrid cucumber seeds that don’t require pollination.

   Be sure to buy a dwarf variety in order to conserve space.
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   Step 2: Select a very large pot.

   Cucumbers even dwarf varieties, need lots of room to grow.
   
   You can also grow cucumbers in hanging pots. , You can also place a small pot (with drainage holes) upside down in the middle of the large pot if you don't have rocks or gravel. , You can use dirt from your garden, but then you will run the risk of bringing unwanted pests indoors. , Space the seeds 1/2" apart or more, if possible.
   
   Planting them too close together will hinder growth. , Water several times until the water drains from the bottom of the pot. , For optimal growth, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. , Don't thin them before they reach this minimum height. , Be careful not to disturb the soil around the 2 plants you want to keep. , Rotate the planter every few days if it looks like the plants are not receiving the same amount of sunlight. , This will leave you with 1 strong and healthy cucumber plant that will produce well and won’t be crowded. , Don't wait too long to do this; the plant will start climbing as much as 1" every day, depending on the amount of sunlight it is receiving. , Make sure the water thoroughly drains out from the bottom of the planter, so you will know that the roots are getting wet.
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   Step 3: Place some small stones

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   Step 4: clay shards or gravel in the bottom of the pot to aid drainage and to keep the roots of the plant from getting soggy.

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   Step 5: Fill your planting pot with a mixture of potting soil and compost—50% soil and 50% compost.

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   Step 6: Plant 4 to 5 seeds about 1/2” (12 mm) deep.

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   Step 7: Water the soil thoroughly so that it is saturated

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   Step 8: but not soupy.

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   Step 9: Position your cucumber planter in a sunny window.

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    Step 10: Allow the seedlings to grow to a height of 2 to 3” (50 to 75 mm).

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    Step 11: Identify 2 plants that look the strongest and gently pull the other plants out of the soil.

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    Step 12: Let the remaining 2 plants grow to a height of about 10” (254 mm).

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    Step 13: Choose the strongest

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    Step 14: healthiest of the two plants to keep and eliminate the other one by snipping it off at the base.

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    Step 15: Insert a stick or small trellis near the plant so that you can train the vine to climb.

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    Step 16: Water your plant frequently so that the soil stays moist.

Detailed Guide

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