How to Grow Cucumbers in Five Gallon Buckets

Use a power drill fitted with a 1/4-inch bit to drill eight to 10 holes in the bottom of the 5-gallon bucket. This ensures that excess moisture can escape and reduces the risk of overwatering.

Cut a piece of fiberglass screen to fit inside the bottom of the bucket so that soil doesn't escape through the drainage holes.

Place the bucket in its permanent location and fill it three-fourths of the way with a lightweight growing mix.

Combine 2 1/2 tablespoons of 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer with the growing mix.

Sow five cucumber seeds in the middle of the container and cover them with a 1/2-inch layer of growing mix.

Add enough water to moisten the growing mix thoroughly, but not so much that it feels wet. Continue to water as needed to keep the mix from drying out.

Thin the seedlings when they reach a height of 2 inches, leaving only the two sturdiest in place. Snip them off at soil level to prevent damage to the remaining plants. Thin again when the plants are approximately 8 inches tall, allowing only the largest vine to remain.

Spread 1 inch of organic mulch over the soil after thinning the cucumber plants. Avoid resting the mulch against the stems of the plants.

Position four or five wooden stakes -- 8- to 10 inches long -- around the exterior edge of the pot, leaning their tops inward until they touch, creating a teepee form. Tie the tops of the stakes securely with garden twine.

Monitor the moisture level of the soil, especially when conditions are very hot, and water as needed to keep it from drying out.

Apply 15-30-15 water-soluble fertilizer, at half the rate suggested on package instructions, every two weeks after the fruits set.

Harvest the cucumbers by pulling them gently from the vine when they reach the desired size.