How to Plant Cucumbers Around Corn
Cucumbers and corn grown together are a prime example of companion planting. When planted next to one another, cucumbers help corn by naturally repelling raccoons, retaining soil moisture and reducing weed growth. On the other hand, corn helps cucumbers by providing shade and giving the cucumber vines something to climb up on; which, in turn, keeps cucumbers off the ground and prevents rotting from moisture. This companion planting makes for a relatively low-maintenance growing season.
Apply a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer to the soil before planting the cucumbers. This can be done before or after the corn is planted, but it may be easier to apply it before planting the corn. Follow the directions on the product label for diluting and application directions.
- Cucumbers and corn grown together are a prime example of companion planting.
- On the other hand, corn helps cucumbers by providing shade and giving the cucumber vines something to climb up on; which, in turn, keeps cucumbers off the ground and prevents rotting from moisture.
Plant the cucumbers two weeks after the corn to allow time for the corn stalks to establish. Plant each seed 12 inches apart along the corn rows. The seeds can be planted along the border of the corn crop as well as in between each row.
Water the soil so it's thoroughly moist to a depth of 4 inches. Keep the soil at this moisture level throughout the entire growth cycle.
Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer along the sides of the cucumber plants once they begin to grow vines. Follow the application directions on the package of the chosen fertilizer. Do not allow the fertilizer to touch the plants as it may cause fertilizer burn.
- Plant the cucumbers two weeks after the corn to allow time for the corn stalks to establish.
- The seeds can be planted along the border of the corn crop as well as in between each row.
Monitor the growth of the cucumber plants. Wrap their vines around the corn stalks once they get long enough to do so, usually 6 to 12 inches. Allow only one vine per stalk as too much weight may potentially pull the stalk down. Once established, the cucumbers and corn should thrive as long as they get adequate water.
Plant Cucumbers Around Corn
Select a planting site that receives direct, full sunlight for at least six hours each day. Spread a 2-inch layer of compost over the site with a rake. Watch for germinating sprouts within this time. Mound up 4-inch tall and wide piles of soil, spacing each mound 36 inches apart, along the eastern side of each row of corn. Place four cucumber seeds in the depression. Cover the seeds with a 1/2-inch layer of soil. Tamp the soil down over the seeds. Attach a sprinkler to the end of the garden hose. Place the sprinkler in the center of the planting site, positioning it so that its spray of water will cover all the hills. Keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Apply the water in the morning to allow the corn seedlings' foliage time to dry before nightfall. Water the area thoroughly.
- Monitor the growth of the cucumber plants.
- Apply the water in the morning to allow the corn seedlings' foliage time to dry before nightfall.
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References
- University of Illinois Extension: Cucumber
- Cornell University Cooperative Extension: Companion Planting
- Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden; Sally Jean Cunningham
- University of California Davis IPM Online: Planting
- University of Illinois Extension: Cucumber
- The Everything Grow Your Own Vegetables Book: Your Complete Guide to Planting, Tending, and Harvesting Vegetables; Catherine Abbott et al.
Writer Bio
Kenneth Coppens began his freelance writing career in 2008. His passions in life consist of extensive personal research on food, gardening and finding natural and eco-friendly alternatives to nearly all aspects of life.
