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Growing Cucumbers on the Balcony – How to Harvest Successfully

Growing cucumbers on the balcony
In addition to cucumbers, small tomato varieties can also be grown on the balcony with a few simple tricks Photo: picture alliance / Gaby Wojciech

January 30, 2025, 4:30 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Not everyone has a large garden – but that doesn’t mean you have to do without fresh vegetables. With a little preparation and the right tips, you can grow cucumbers successfully on your balcony. myHOMEBOOK explains how.

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Cucumbers are not only one of the most popular vegetables, but they are also comparatively easy to grow in the garden. With their refreshing taste, they are perfect in summer salads or as a snack between meals. If you don’t have a garden, you can easily grow these climbing plants in containers on the balcony. However, to grow cucumbers on the balcony, it is important to choose the right varieties, containers, and care.

The Right Cucumber Variety for the Balcony

Not every cucumber variety is suitable for growing in a small space. However, these are particularly suitable:

  • Mini or snack cucumbers: they remain compact and still produce a rich harvest. Their small fruits are particularly aromatic. However, these cucumbers require a lot of water.
  • Mexican mini cucumber: This robust variety is particularly drought-resistant due to its Central American origin, as it forms long storage roots in the soil. The fruits look like tiny watermelons and taste tart and fresh.

Tip: Seeds of specially designated balcony cucumbers are available in many garden centers or online. These varieties have been specifically bred for smaller containers and locations.

The Perfect Location for Growing Cucumbers on the Balcony

Cucumbers are real sun worshippers. A warm, sheltered spot is crucial for growth. The balcony should offer at least six hours of sun a day. A south or south-west orientation is ideal. Draughty corners or sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided, however, as cucumbers react sensitively to these.

The Right Container

For cucumbers to thrive, they need enough space for their roots. A large pot with a capacity of at least 20 liters is ideal. A container with plenty of drainage holes helps to prevent waterlogging. A drainage layer of gravel or clay shards at the bottom also protects the roots from waterlogging.

Growing Cucumbers on the Balcony – Soil and Fertilizer

The basis for a high-yielding cucumber harvest is loose, nutrient-rich soil. Special vegetable or tomato soil is particularly suitable. A high humus content ensures that the plants receive sufficient nutrients. Compost or organic fertilizer can also be mixed in. After about four weeks, it is advisable to regularly use liquid fertilizer for vegetable plants.

Climbing Aids and Space for Cucumbers in a Small Area

As cucumbers are climbing plants, they need a stable climbing aid. A simple bamboo stick, a trellis, or a special climbing aid from a specialist shop will suffice. The plants should be tied up regularly to encourage proper growth and save space on the balcony.

Watering and Care

Mini and snack cucumbers need plenty of water – especially on hot summer days. The soil should always be evenly moist. It is best to water in the morning or evening when the sun is not shining directly on the plants. Otherwise, water on the leaves of the plants can cause burns, and the water evaporates much more quickly. Mexican mini cucumbers need less water due to their storage roots, but they should be watered abundantly so that the water also reaches the lowest roots.

In addition, wilted leaves and side shoots should be removed regularly to keep the plant healthy. Pests such as aphids or spider mites, which can spread quickly, especially on the balcony, should be treated quickly, even if only lightly infested.

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When Can You Harvest Cucumbers from the Balcony?

Depending on the variety, the first cucumbers can be harvested after eight to ten weeks. While they are still small and crunchy, cucumbers from the balcony are particularly aromatic. A positive side effect: a regular harvest encourages the plant to produce new cucumbers.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

Topics #amazon Gurken Vegetables
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