My Clever Ways to MANIPULATE Cucumbers to Produce Early, Often, and Nonstop

[@jamesprigioni]

SHARE THE VIDEO IF YOU ENJOYED IT! 😁🐕❤ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 00:35 The Parts of a Cucumber Vine 01:31 Pruning Cucumber Vines 02:36 How and Why to Trellis Cucumbers 03:41 Removing Lower Leaves 04:13 Advanced Pruning Umbrella Trellising 04:47 Which Cucumbers you Can Prune 05:05 How to Prune and Trellis Cucumbers 05:53 Forcing Cucumber to Keep Fruiting 06:20 How to Deal with Cucumber Beetles 07:50 Tuck Eating Cucumbers 08:32 Trap Crops for Cucumbers 08:54 Sprays for Cucumbers Beetles 09:44 Stagger Planting Cucumbers 10:11 Top Dressing Cucumbers 10:44 Mistakes when Watering Cucumbers 11:26 The Importance of Mulching Cucumbers 12:15 Overripe Cucumbers Attract Cucumber Beetles 12:43 Hand Pollinating Cucumbers 13:23 Final Thoughts Thanks for the kind words and support!

[@patriciasutton4618]

Can't share, link broken, too bad it's a great video, I learned a lot, as I always do watching your video's LOVE Tuck! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@AC-ic7es]

❤ ❤🐕❤❤

[@patcombs6235]

❤

[@rafika816]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@KarenWilford]

Love your videos, I got carried away trying to cut the suckers off my cucumber plant and cut one of the main vines. Half the plant died. I was heartbroken!!! 😭😭😭

[@JS-jl1yj]

I love those plastic clips. I bought mine online 4 years ago and I keep reusing them. I grow the English cucumbers. Each year, I leave 2 of the biggest cucumbers on the vine and allow them to mature. They become my seed donors for next year.

[@jdiguls2848]

Regular small zip ties are way cheaper SD at Harbor Freight

[@hippdip]

@@jdiguls2848 Those are single-use and will end up all over your yard polluting the soil. Stop promoting plastic waste.

[@shannonelliott9230]

Good idea on the seed saving! :)

[@gendoll5006]

I just harvested my first cucumber (green hybrid burpless) and it was so good. These things grow SO FAST! I followed all your tips from prior videos, making sure not to let one get lost at the bottom and ripen on the vine. I used our old trampoline frame and put it together. Instead of the safety net I put trellis netting and left 3 pieces of the circle of the trampoline out so it’s like a “U” shape and it’s working so great! My loofa is loving it, cucumbers and tomatoes too!

[@boopsloops7277]

sounds interesting. Photos?

[@anonaki-mt6xb]

The enthusiasm and the gardening knowledge is tops, but let's be honest, I'm really here for Tuck!

[@jamesprigioni]

Haha I get that a lot, he is the Boss! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@horus-rz2sj]

Tuck the big boss

[@FREEFILMSALEX]

@@jamesprigionisocrates and suyhio long are not self-pollinating?

[@adawilliams4934]

He is just a cutie pie. I've never had a dog eat veggies.

[@elainelear4982]

Watching your videos reminds me of our horticulture classes, 40 years ago. You explain enough to make us understand the reason for good Practices.

[@cbrisalchemist6887]

Tuck is adorable 🥰 my little terrier is a garden maven. She started her gardening career at less than a pound…her favorites were young green beans, melons, and corn. She literally pulled off a low hanging corn and had it on her patio, pulling silks and shucking to get to the delicious corn. She also had a couple pet ducks and would run out as soon as she woke up and check on them. An animal took them one night and when she ran out in the morning her cries scared me…she was crying at the duck house. Something dug under the gate and ripped them apart. She was inconsolable. Eventually her garden (make no mistake …it belonged to her) helped her heal. Tuck and Quanah could be soul mates. 😂 ❤

[@RKOuttathebox]

Thank you James for all the great wisdom! Gotta say your garden is next level, you harvest sooo much. Definitely best I have seen on YT. We have copied some of your methods for our food forest we started two years ago, your fence design works great and is very solid, along with fruit tree and raised bed layouts, it's really coming together! Thanks again!

[@dianehansen7640]

My little raised beds bring me calm and peace of mind as I age. There’s a therapeutic feeling in the garden 🪴😊

[@JimmyKersh]

Me to it's calming like you said plus a great challenge I learn stuff every year and I keep adding new plants.

[@adawilliams4934]

❤same here in Texas ❤

[@deebirdwell2051]

Perfect timing for me. Currently have 5 cucumber plants growing at different stages. I’m following your advice regarding removing suckers and clearing lower leaves. Thank you James and I always enjoy seeing Tuck munching and guarding your garden, such a cutie! ❤

[@questioneverything9535]

I planted Amaranth and Cleome flowers once in my cold frame, and they both come back every year. Both work as a trap plant. Thanks for the great advice!

[@ofrecentvintage]

I have both of these plants. Do you mind sharing which insects they're trapping for you?

[@Mamakate2382]

Your gardening knowledge, sir, I amazing. And Tuck is the cutest little gardening helper I’ve ever seen. Thanks so much for your helpful content.

[@juneranfone3238]

JP, I can say my garden is looking so green and healthy, thanks so much! With your Secret Stuff Fertilizer, kelp and other products. My garden is thriving famously.😊❤

[@Dr.Reason]

That is a LOT of practical and valuable information in a no-nonsense presentation. Very impressive.

[@eskoven]

James, we love your informative gardening videos. Thanks muchly ! Question; You mentioned about pollination using a male flower to pollinate female flowers. How can you tell the difference between the male and female flowers?

[@garfielda34]

❤❤❤❤ for Tuck and another great video! You're my favorite gardening channel and have inspired me so much! Our little Food Forest here is getting bigger each year! 🌱

[@woodchipgardens9084]

I found using less water at end of harvest makes cucumber taste better, watering everyday made very bitter cucumbers and that all changed very fast by cutting water frequency.

[@virginiaschulze5959]

I'm going to try that because I always have bitter cucumbers no matter where I live and what soil I have that could very well be my problem

[@donnahughes8409]

My leaves on my cucumbers will start wilting if I don’t water them morning and night.

[@woodchipgardens9084]

@@donnahughes8409 My suggestion for less water was for only if the cucumbers taste Bitter, this usually happens near the end of the season.

[@GamboaPX]

I thought bitterness came from harvesting too late?

[@anthonyfakhoury7427]

I get your point, but why would anyone prune cucumber suckers when they could flower and lead to more fruit?

[@lisaminor1016]

Tuck has to be the healthiest dog on the planet - love him!! Your videos are so informative - thanks and keep them coming!

[@joanies6778]

This is my first time direct planting cukes in the garden. Usually, I do plant seeds in advance in trays and transplant in May or early June. Unfortunately, we usually get a hail storm in late May and it stunts their growth. This time I direct planted later than usual, so they hadn't emerged until after the heavy hail came, and now they are thriving! I bought some of that clay you mentioned and will try it on my apples, cukes, and squashes.

[@ainegriffin8166]

Found it very informative thank you. Have never pruned cucumbers before

[@hollydimig3998]

Well, I’m going to tend to my cucumbers tomorrow. Thank you for this insight!

[@nancycagle7854]

Did you prune yours like he said to? I did and it killed my beautiful plant.

[@hollydimig3998]

@@nancycagle7854 oh no! I did prune it yesterday and it’s looking really good today

[@nancycagle7854]

I’m so glad yours survived !

[@KikiDees_Garden]

Thank you! I had one cucumber plant ripened on the vine which made the plant bolt, thankfully I staggered some more plants and will be doing this hopefully 🤞🏻 get some cucumbers 🥒 this is my first season as an amateur grower and are learning a lot from your channel! Thanks to you and Tuck! ❤❤❤ my pups Dave and Phil 🐾 say “hi Tuck!”

[@annduffy1356]

James, would love to know how you store and preserve your abundant harvests!

[@elainroles7217]

I would like to know that too. Long time ago I gave part of my harvest to Laotians. They stir fried them with many other veggies and beef. Very good.

[@bunyipz2040]

I remember in a previous video he said he doesn't do any preserving

[@stephenstoker3608]

You can promote whatever you want. This is your channel, and youre doing great! Thanks for being thorough and realistic with your pesticide advice.

[@verngib9041]

James, thank you for your knowledge!! Will the clay work on zucchini plants against the dreaded squash vine borer and the squash bug. My Daisy dog loves raspberries and strawberries. She expects them when I’m in the garden. She hasn’t tried cucumbers yet. Maybe this year. They re starting to show up. She spits out the lettuce and the green beans.

[@chocolate_chip21]

Succession planting is so powerful! Especially for new gardeners. Mistakes can be remedied with a new crop, more planting increases experience levels faster, and less than ideal harvests are made up with another crop. My cucumbers are doing well on the trellis and we just planted more seeds yesterday. Thank you for the great videos. And thank the BOSS

[@christinakindler9112]

I live in Wyoming. I started watching your videos over the weekend and have been watching them every day since. Tuck ❤ has the sweetest personality ❤ Even though my Zone goes from 3/3a to 6 where I live, there are so many things you talk about that I can put to use here. Almost Everything accept planting in May. I was just able to get my plants in the garden recently. I, really like your channel. The content is good! Glad I found your videos ❤❤

[@sallyannlaw3860]

❤❤💕💕 I love Tuck. He works so hard in the garden. I've only just come across your channel and find your enthusiasm so infectious. Here in Plymouth, UK I'm growing plenty but seem to be about one month behind due to pests and weather. I'm so glad to report that it's not just me reporting later harvests in the UK.

[@horus-rz2sj]

Tuck the big boss. You are so fortunate to have Tuck teach you how to grow cucumbers

[@MyCountry45]

Looooove Tuck ❤❤❤❤. So cute 🥰 I used Happy Frog for my raised garden bed and I don’t like it. The top get’s so hard over time, that the water is running off. I like your soil mixture best. It holds the moisture and doesn’t get hard at the top. Thank you.

[@JenniferGermain-rb2xg]

I stated using my old cocoa husk baskets as a cover for some of my plants, waste not .... we are in a "heat dome" and amazed at how well it works. Just sharing thanks James and Tuk

[@kapstersmusic]

Thanks JP and Tuck. I am growing about 10 Socrates plants this year based on your advice. About to start a late batch! They are already flowering and I am excited for fresh cukes! We have something that kills some cucumber plants, don't know for sure whether its snails, slugs, or cucumber beetles. I started more than I needed and ended up with the right amount.

[@resourcefulgirl]

The young king is looking very dapper with his new haircut :)

[@jamesprigioni]

Yes he is! 👑🐕

[@ClickinChicken]

You look pretty good yourself!

[@rafika816]

@@ClickinChicken Lol! True 👍

[@johnlibby7900]

Great tips for cukes. I’m already doing what you recommended. So far so good. Very interesting.

[@kathypotter3269]

The last couple of years I’ve had trouble with mold. Do you have a solution for it. Thanks

[@JimmyKersh]

I liked it this spring my cucumbers didn't do good at all so now I have some nice plants that just started flowering I'm going take your advice.

[@waterisgold]

Much love James and Tuck thank you for being you ✨✨✨✨✨

[@waterisgold]

❤❤❤

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!!! Thanks for the kind words, me and Tuck appreciate you! 😁🐕❤️

[@Billiemax2]

Awesome channel!

[@Billiemax2]

Forgot to spam the ❤❤❤ for beautiful Tuck!!

[@Billiemax2]

I have four large dogs, probably seven to eight times bigger than Tuck. I'm so excited though, because I have one "vegetable" dog!! Victory!😂

[@GrizzPerchaluk2265]

I absolutely love this channel. Your enthusiasm and love of gardening is awesome. Thank you so much for making these videos

[@626sem]

Wow! I wish I'd found your channel earlier in the season, just fantastic info. This is my first summer trying to grow veggies, so there has been a learning curve. Sadly, the neighborhood i live in has had a huge issue with black spot absolutely desimating almost every tree and powdery mildew attacking everything else. I think your channel is going to give me a much more productive summer next year, and I'm really excited now! Great channel!

[@joepanico6480]

What level of attention is needed with high temperatures from the current heat dome? Maybe some tips for the expected high temperatures during the weeks ahead to avoid stressing garden plants.

[@RKOuttathebox]

I am no James, but I have been using 40% shade cloth on a few beds and they are looking great, no droopy leaves during the day.

[@joepanico6480]

@@RKOuttathebox Thanks. I've set up a similar shade. Anticipating another hot Summer I took his advice on soil preparation/composition. Over the past few years the soil had dried considerably during high heat episodes despite regular watering, frustrating. Not this year! Zero experience with extended, extreme heat rather than a few days of high temps. Trying to find a balance among shade, watering, fertilization, new plantings, etc. Good so far

[@GloriaJTddd]

I have various shade cloths, going from 40% to 70%. Last year, my green beans continued to produce all summer even when it was holding near 105, and no rain.

[@RKOuttathebox]

@@joepanico6480 Good to hear you are trying new things and experimenting. Don't forget about that mulch, I have been using leaves that are from last fall and they are working great, no seeds and weeds are popping up like I have experienced with straw. Happy gardening!

[@MissWoggy]

Love the King Tuck! My Boston Terrier Tootsie likes fresh vegetables and berries too. ❤❤❤❤

[@kussh100]

Really nice video on cucumbers. Cucumbers are very dicey to grow, specially for newbies like me

[@shentallfournier]

Thank you for these infos. It’s very complete and helped me woth my cucumber plants. Many questions answered in one video. I’ll be sure to watch your other videos. Everybody should feed their dogs with veggies during the week. While cutting them or gardening. It’s such a joy to je able to feed your pet well❤

[@FunHouse-y1q]

great pruning advice from 1st gardener in cape town south africa peace and love to you and tuck

[@JackiesOasis]

Thank you for making this video on Cucumbers because this is my first year ever growing it and I love these tips.

[@kelo93js]

Thank you for sharing this video. This is my first time actually growing cucumbers and it is really growing and I live in an apartment. So I know now to trim the bottom leaves and cut the accents off so it'll grow upwards instead of sprawling all out

[@NAVSPECWARCOM]

Great video. I learned a lot. Also, I love Tuck's new haircut ❤

[@MarieLecce]

I have cucumber plants that are full of blossoms but no fruit

[@laddieokelley6095]

I like the way you keep saying "Come over here." My guess is that you're talking to your brother, the photographer, but it makes me feel like I am there in the garden with you. Wish it be so!

[@howlingwaters2741]

That sounds like a pass😂He's calling the dog!😂

[@cs7717]

The only thing I ever get with cucumbers is inundated with aphids. I have tried hosing them off the leaves, but the pressure required to knock them off seems to kill the leaf. It has been so bad at times that I watched the birds sit there and peck off and eat the aphids. They come and multiply so fast that in a matter of a couple days, they will completely cover all the leaves.

[@realjosephanthony]

I'm super curious, James... Does the summer sun cook your cucumbers? Down here in 9a (Central Florida) I need to keep a decent amount of leaves just so my cucumbers stay shaded or that Sunshine State Sun is just a lingering fireball. Absolutely decimates my cucumbers. I've found that those that stay hidden under leaves develop into amazing cucumbers. Just curious. God bless.

[@cynthiabreatheseasy]

This info is great. Thank you. I dry thin cucumber slices and they are great as chips with a little salt.

[@joanies6778]

❤ Tuck. I hope my new pup loves the cucumbers in the garden as much as he does.

[@maryannd9256]

Tuck is adorable. I have a Yorkie, Bentley. He loves cucumbers and salads too! ❤❤❤

[@bethsands7665]

Yes, I have cucumbers planted everywhere...next year I will calm down a bit. My dog enjoys cucumbers too as well as green beans, peppers and carrots .

[@jamesprigioni]

😂

[@SiriusGoddess555]

I just love your passion for growing vegetables!

[@sharonhoffer3599]

❤❤❤ James, you are so knowledgeable! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 And Tuck is the cutest ♥️♥️♥️

[@Backcash436]

❤❤❤❤ for Tucker! Such a cutie pie!

[@JS-jl1yj]

Your video has been a good reminder to prune and fertilize my cucumbers. Yesterday, I pruned my zucchinis to improve the air flow.

[@juneramirez8580]

Thank you I will be taking your advice because I have many leaves, suckers and flowers but no pollinated fruits! I just ❤ Tucker!

[@bethsands7665]

I have cucumbers growing crazy now. My Sumpter cucumbers are producing every day . Finally my Suyo long is producing. Nice growing method which is nice and clean. Do you can and pickle them ? What recipes do you use to use up those cucumbers ?? I bet you can come up with an awesome healing cucumber lotion , balm, salve .

[@dianelewis5189]

This video was IMMENSELY helpful. I look forward to watching other videos. Teach me your ways! 😊

[@talapeanutbutter4250]

I have some round cucumbers. Is that from watering unevenly? I live in the panhandle of Florida and it’s June 2024. We’ve been very hot. I’ve lost have it 4 of my tomato plants, and my beans and peas I’ve given up hope. I actually planted mint about 10 years ago so I transplanted them around all my veggies. I’ve only had one problem with tomato caterpillars once. I sprayed bt. I’ve gardened for 2 years now and am beginning to feel as if I can’t do it properly.😢

[@happyhobbit8450]

Does that work the same for zucchini or squash or melons? Thank you -- I learn so much the way you explain it!!!

[@phyllisfrey6507]

Love your channel James. So much great information. Never new what you taught about the cucumber trimming. Thank you so much for all you teach us. Love the boss, Tuck, so cute. Never knew a dog could love so many vegetables. ❤❤❤

[@tammynicewander2991]

Lots of good information. I have an issue this year….my cukes are bitter. Do you know what causes that and how to prevent?

[@jamesprigioni]

Stressed plants wil produce more cucubitacin which is the chemical compound that makes cucumbers bitter. Probably from uneven watering. I suggest growing burpless varieties of cucumbers that lack the cucurbitacin and aren't bitter. Socrates and Suyo Long are two of my favorites. Beit alpha is good as well

[@renovater7811]

Nice video! I planted Socrates variety and never have I seen so many cukes! 4 Vines planted on a netting,, about 70 cukes so far, gave so many to my neighbors they hide when they see me coming :-)

[@nicolestark3991]

It's my favorite but I am notbhaving success. The fruits appear and then only 1 out of 6 or so live. The others shrivel and die.

[@FinalRant00]

Thanks for sharing. I'm going to apply this method to my squash plant. I need it to start growing up rather than out. Should work with that too, right?

[@bbales2305]

Great information. Thx! How do you determine when a cucumber is ripe so as not to let it go to seed? Thx for your answer. 👍

[@DoZiDoz.]

Can you please do a video on growing watermelons and cantaloupes it’s my first time and I really want to get some fruit. Love the vids and the free info thank you

[@petedambski3792]

Got 9 plants growing. Gonna have them go up. and prune them, great ideas.Thanx.

[@ridingwilding760]

I really invested in using insect netting this year. And under my cucumber netting I have a variety of Parthenocarpic cucumbers. These varieties can be grown in areas that pollinators aren’t available. The Parthenocarpic varieties don’t require pollination to produce cucumbers and you end up with seedless ones. There are also a couple zucchini varieties that are supposed to be parthenocarpic as well. I’m experimenting with them as well under double netting trying to avoid the dreaded squash bugs.

[@saralyn302]

So much good information. Thanks James and Tuck!❤❤❤

[@badgernokia]

Very helpful and well explained, thank you for taking the time ❤️👍

[@Deb_alwaysgrowing]

Love your videos! So informative, especially as a fellow NJ gardener. Thank you!

[@shannonelliott9230]

Your enthusiasm is so fun! Thank you for this!

[@bobstrauss9413]

Thanks James and Tuck !! I will do what you are doing got 15 3 gal pots for the first wave and just in time.

[@KevinFrench-l2c]

Great video, thanks! James is there a rule of thumb for when a cucumber is ready to be picked? You say not to let it ripen on the vine. Is there a size to pick them off by?

[@christopherunsworth]

You're the man when it comes to a garden.

[@saras7635]

pruning trees has been the big chore in January - this year i did a mid summer trip of fruit trees that were done with fruits, or simply they were strangling in the heat to keep up all the foliage ..... it feels much better ow knowing that the pruning in December / January will now be more manageable .....

[@jacki-myoung1222]

Great presentation / tutorial 💯. I got something out of it . I was just planning to start growing cucumbers . 🥒 Tuck is a great lil dog eating his cucumbers 💚

[@bluewater4]

Sanitizing prunes and use of burpless varieties to discourage bugs are important learned procedures. Thanks. Don't know how much space you have. Cucumbers we planted were for truck gardening. On the ground is ok as long as you tend them. Curled or rolled chicken wire helps as long as fruits avoid getting trapped. Does the wire collect static electricity as an aid in growing?

[@kona702]

I'm definitely going to grow Vine cucumbers next year. I'm growing the bush type, and they just seem to be growing so slowly. I'm just finally getting some female flowers after 70 days.

[@clappinghands3648]

I learn gardening from you ❤ I love your enthusiasm and of course Tuck 😍. Thank you 🙏

[@susancarrington8091]

Hey, James! Love your videos. I've often wondered what you do with all the food you harvest?

[@craigborgardt6396]

Great tips, thanks! I would also allow the alcohol to sit on the metal for at least one minute....30 seconds at the minimum to insure a full kill especially of fungi.

[@danielleboule3220]

Hi James, thank you for your informative videos. I actually have my own food forest now and it’s great! I live in 6b so you’re a couple of weeks ahead of me but now that I know that I can preplan based on what you’re doing. ❤ for Tuck

[@IAMGiftbearer]

I'm growing my China Jade cucumbers on a cattle panel trellis and they are one of the few crops that are thriving despite the extreme heat and humidity in Georgia. These seem to naturally create a central stem and not alot of suckers. Now there are about 6 cucumbers forming. At what length should I be harvesting them? I know they can get pretty long, so I don't want to take them off too early.

[@SmilingOutdoorGrill-np3xp]

What do you do with all those cucumbers plants, lots of cucumbers coming your way! I love your show, thank you!!

[@48rylo]

Love the Vids, just got my own place and planning on making a large veggie garden next year, inspired by you. First year in with Tomatoes and Peppers and im loving it so much. How old is Tuck btw, hes adorable?

[@_FadedPolo_]

I have a nice hack for you, side step all this by growing vining " picklebush" cucumbers. They are prolific and pollenate themselves. They are smaller so they also have the best flavor ive found yet & if youre lucky and fertilize them enough you may be able to get them to be very very slightly sweet as well.

[@synco1417]

This was a pretty interesting video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. It really helps me to understand so much more!

[@tammiebaney9332]

Love your channel! I bought kaolin clay and I'm having trouble with the nozzle clogging up.could you please show us your sprayer and how to work it?

[@randyholcombe9473]

Tuck is the man… I mean the garden dog lol. Great tips .❤

[@sonyahogan5673]

Thank you James! You put out the best videos and I always learn something new😊.

[@ericottsman8353]

Hey James over the last 3 years I've been trying to grow basil from seed and have tried every method I'm aware of but have had zero even sprout, any tips?

[@woodchipgardens9084]

I'm getting a lot of tomato now east of San Francisco and Plums came about 15 days late this year and 30 days late last year. I began using a lot more urine in my compost tea and its producing plum sized strawberries consistently.

[@bella61567]

I am a new gardener and just found out about pruning cucumbers. Mine are about 5' tall is it still ok to go in and prune?

[@waynesell3681]

Great presentation! Well done Tuck!

[@debleger6914]

Hi Tuck and @jamesprigioni ! Great video, as always. I need to ask a question - at the very bottom of each trellised vine, you always leave two small leaves but you prune the bigger leaves. Do you wait until those small leaves grow bigger and then prune them off? Thanks for all your great helpful videos!

[@juliedeguia]

Love your channel! What should a cucumber look like that is ready for picking? If you’re saying early and often, am I picking them when they’re little like the one you gave Tuck?

[@SylvieRainville]

Hello do you have to keep the small first leaves like I see on your plants or I can remove them thanks