Cucumber Mini Munch - Cucumis sativus

The Mini Munch cucumber is a half-sized, semi-hardy and highly productive variety if harvested regularly. Its crunchy and tasty fruits can be picked at 7cm (3in), making them perfect snacks. When they grow longer, they can be used in salads. This cucumber is sown under cover, from February to May, for a harvest from June to September.

Cucumbers prefer light, loose, moist and humus-rich soils. They thrive in sunny locations with temperatures between 18 and 22 °C. They are water-hungry vegetables that will need regular watering. Cucumber, along with tomato, is one of the star vegetables of summer: refreshing, low in calories, it can be enjoyed in a mixed salad or on its own, with, for example, a yogurt, lemon and dill sauce.
There are two main types of cucumbers: the "forced" varieties which are intended for greenhouse cultivation and those that are suitable for outdoor cultivation. They can be smooth or spiny, long or semi-long. In addition to these classic varieties, there are also more "exotic" cucumbers such as the Kenyan Cucumber or the Snake Cucumber, which are generally more heat-demanding.

Harvest: Cucumbers should be harvested when they have reached their final size, before their colour turns yellow. Be careful: overripe fruits become bitter. Remember to harvest regularly to encourage the formation of new fruits.

Storage: Cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. To enjoy your harvest for longer, you can also preserve them in jars through lacto-fermentation or in vinegar.

Gardener's tip: Like all cucurbits, cucumbers can be susceptible to powdery mildew: a white fuzz appears on the foliage. It is advisable to remove heavily affected leaves and spray with sulfur every 2 weeks. As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and ensure good ventilation in your greenhouse if growing under cover. Spraying with a horsetail extract can also strengthen foliage resistance. A spray of nettle extract effectively combats aphid attacks. Plant your lettuce and beans alongside your cucumbers, as they appreciate each other's company.