How to grow cucumbers in a raised bed

Cucumbers are vigorous climbers that reward a bit of vertical space — train them up a trellis and you'll get straighter fruit, better airflow and an easy picking height.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, 6+ hours
• Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks
• Support: a trellis — they love to climb

When should I plant cucumbers?

Cucumbers are frost-tender — plant from spring into summer once it's warm. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): August to February
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to January
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to August
• Arid inland: February and August to November

How do I grow cucumbers in a raised bed?

Sow into warm, rich mix and train the vines up a trellis as they grow. Climbing keeps the fruit clean and the leaves dry, which cuts down on mildew.

How often should I water and feed cucumbers?

Water deeply and consistently — thirsty, uneven cucumbers turn bitter. Keep water off the leaves and water in the morning. Feed once flowering starts.

What pests attack cucumbers?

Keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, the 28-spotted ladybird and two-spotted mite. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect cucumbers?

The main ones are powdery mildew, downy mildew and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with cucumbers?

Beans, peas and dill are good companions; keep cucumbers away from potatoes. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest cucumbers?

Pick young and often — the more you pick, the more the vine produces. Oversized cucumbers turn bitter and slow the plant down.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: V5hnuvp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.