How to Grow Cucumbers in the Shade

Pull the weeds in your garden area then work up the ground with a tiller or a garden fork. Remove any rocks, sticks or other debris that you may find while digging.

Amend the soil with 3 inches of compost on top of the ground and incorporate this into the soil. The compost helps with drainage and gives the cucumber plants added nutrients.

Level the ground with the back of a rake. Wait to plant the cucumber seeds until the soil has warmed to 70 degrees F or two weeks after the last frost.

Install a trellis, cage, or ence on the north side of the cucumber vines, keeping it 2- to 3-inches away from the cucumbers. Make sure whatever form of support you use is firm in the ground and strong enough to support the weight of the plants.

Place one or two seeds every 8 to 12 inches in the row. With your finger or a dibble, push each seed 1/2 inch deep into the soil. Cover the seed with amended soil and firm it gently over the seeds. Leave 4 to 5 feet between rows.

Water the cucumber to a depth of 6 inches. Check the soil daily and water to keep it moist, but not soggy or the seeds will rot. It takes eight to 10 days for the seeds to germinate. As the cucumbers grow, water them deeply once a week. Provide 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water. Do not allow the soil to dry out or the fruit will be bitter.

Tie the cucumber vines loosely against the support with soft twine. As the vines grow, wrap them around the trellis. After the vines are approximately two feet long, the tendrils will grasp the trellis and continue to climb. If the vines are having trouble staying on the support, continue to tie them loosely with twine.

Inspect the cucumber plants for pests through the growing season. If you notice bugs, spray the cucumbers with an organic pest-control product. Mix and apply according to label directions.

Feed the cucumbers with liquid or a granular slow-release fertilizer every other week. Mix and apply according to label directions.

Harvest the cucumbers when they are dark green. Pick them often for the best flavor and to encourage more fruit to set on. Remove any fruits that turns yellow because they are over-ripe. Toss them away or put them into your compost pile.