Cucumbers in the heat

It's a tough time growing zucchinis and cucumbers at the moment; given the heat.

Both grow best in the sun with temperatures between 22 and 32 degrees C.

I grow my cucumbers in partial shade,  behind a large tree and they are doing well. But fruit setting is halted by the onset of high temperatures. At temperatures higher than 32 degrees the pollen in the flowers dry out.

However, I am maintaining a good supply for the fridge.

Rather than grow the cucumbers on the ground, let the vines grow on a low trellis. Helps to keep the fruit in good condition with plenty of circulating air.

Tip: give the plants a good watering the night before you harvest early the next morning.