Pre-Pickle-Chips Planting

The cucumbers that Erin planted in the seed trays decided to get big fast.  They were outgrowing everything else, so i had to transplant them.  Otherwise, the rest of the plants would stretch to try to keep up with the light being raised.  Long spindly plants aren’t ideal.  You want short stout little seedlings that can stand up on their own.

Erin used 6 cells of a tray and planted 2 cucumbers in each one.  I’d like to say that the transplanting was a success.  We got 23 of the 24 plants in their new pots.  The only one that didn’t make it, was one that wasn’t making it anyhow.  It was a dud.  It still was working on developing its first set of leaves and failing miserably.

So i ate it.  It was the one of the most nasty aftertastes that i have ever experienced.  It ranks up there with outdated milk (the nastiest taste i have ever experienced).

When i transplanted the cucumbers, their roots were tied up a bit.  I tried my best to preserve the larger roots and wiggle the remaining ones apart with tender care.  It took a little time, but usually most things do.  I transplanted them into peat pots that were about 2 times larger than the previous cells they were in.

Right after the transplant, i let them sit in the dark for about 6 hours and then subjected them to the fluorescent lights again.  I think helps them slow all activity so they can focus on becoming reacclimated to their new environment.  I only keep the grow lights on for 18 or so hours a night anyhow.  From what i have heard, they can’t even process that additional light, so it is just a waste of energy.  Makes sense.  In a natural environment, the sun doesn’t shine all day.  At least not where i live.

The cucumber’s variety name is Double Yield.  They are very high yielders (hence their quick growth).  Now they sit patiently under the second set of grow lights waiting to be planted outside.  Probably another month and a half.  Once harvested, we will attempt to pickle them.  Exciting stuff.