Unwins Organic Cucumber Marketmore Seeds

Level fill a module tray with seed compost, firming with the base of another tray. Water well. Sow seeds individually, on edge, pushing into compost 1-2cm deep. Place in the warmth, 20-25°C. Cover with cling film. Keep moist.

Remove cling film as soon as shoots appear. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from direct sunlight. When large enough to handle, transplant into 8cm pots of potting compost. Grow on in a minimum temperature of 12-15°C.

Plant 60cm apart into a greenhouse border, grow bags, or 30cm diameter pots once a minimum temperature of 12°C can be maintained. Water regularly, especially in hot weather and use a tomato food to promote fruiting. Do not remove male flowers (those without a swelling behind them). Train up a wire or cane and pinch out growing tips when the plants are as tall as space allows; pinch out sideshoot tips a couple of leaves past a female flower (if flowerless, pinch out sideshoot tips at 60cm).

Seeds can be sown directly outside, or young plants planted out, in a sunny, sheltered spot in late May / early June. Soil should be well manured and fertilised, watering regularly. Protect new sowings with fleece or under cloches.

Check plants frequently and harvest fruits before they become overripe. Regular picking will also encourage more fruits to form.