The 8 Worst Places to Grow Cucumbers—and Why, According to Gardening Experts

Cucumbers are low-maintenance plants that grow easily without much attention. But one thing this vining crop can be picky about is where it's planted. Cucumbers can take over the garden, with the vines reaching 6 feet in length, so they need ample room to grow, or they will compete with neighboring plants for nutrients. Cucumbers also need full sun and well-draining soil, or you risk reduced yields and exposure to fungal disease. To ensure your cucumber plants stay prolific all summer, we spoke to gardening experts who shared several areas where cucumbers should never be planted. 

Low-Light Locations

Like most fruiting plants, cucumbers need six to eight hours of full sun daily to thrive. "Planting in shaded areas near tall trees, buildings, or fences will reduce development, yield, and fruit quality," says Adam Hill, director of community gardens at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. "Insufficient sunlight can create weak and leggy plants, making them more susceptible to pests and disease."

Pest-Prone Areas

Cucumbers are vulnerable to various pests, including cucumber beetles, aphids, and whiteflies, so avoid planting them in areas of your garden where insects are common. "Cucumber beetles carry a bacterial disease called cucurbit bacterial wilt. Once established, this disease can survive the winter, therefore infecting your soil for the next few seasons," says Riley Finnegan-Carrion, horticulturist in the Regenstein Fruit and Vegetable Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. She recommends rotating your crops annually to avoid pest buildup.

Too-Small Beds and Containers

Cucumbers are vining plants that can quickly take over the space they're planted in. Growing cucumbers in too small an area could lead to stunted plant growth and fruit production. It also reduces airflow, leaving plants susceptible to fungal diseases. "If you’re growing in a small space, trellising the cucumbers vertically can help to maximize your space," says Finnegan-Carrion. "This will also help with keeping diseases at bay by improving air flow around your plant, and it can help keep the critters away from your fruit."

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In Poor Soils

Cucumbers like well-draining, nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. "Planting cucumbers in poor-quality soil can lead to stunted growth and weaker plants," says Hill. "Yellowing leaves, low yields, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases are all symptoms of poor soil quality." Additionally, waterlogged soils that are slow to drain can cause root rot and fungal diseases.

Next to Other Cucurbits

Avoid planting cucumbers next to other cucurbits, such as melons, squash, and pumpkins. Plants in this family attract the same pests and diseases, leaving your cucumbers more vulnerable to infestations, says Ankit K. Singh, assistant professor of sustainable agriculture at the University of Maine. He adds that these plants also have the same growing requirements, causing them to compete for essential nutrients and water in the soil.

Windy Areas

Avoid planting cucumbers in areas where there is no wind protection. "Planting cucumbers in windy or exposed areas can cause wilting, leaf tearing, and other physical injuries, especially with young plants," says Hill. "This damage can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to pest and disease pressures. Wind also increases evaporation on the large cucumber leaves, drying them out while causing stress and potentially reduced yield."

Wind can be especially harmful to trellised cucumber plants. "If you have your cucumbers trellised, there is a risk of strong enough winds causing damage to the fruit or the entire plant," says Finnegan-Carrion. "Fruit can be ripped off the vine or the trellis tipped over if not secured appropriately." She recommends not trellising cucumbers on balconies or decks where there is increased wind exposure.

Overly Crowded Spots

Give cucumbers plenty of space to spread by not planting them in overly crowded areas. "Since cucumber plants vine out and tend to spread throughout the growing season, there is a risk of your plant encroaching on other plants' space, water, and nutrients," says Finnegan-Carrion. "It is recommended to space cucumbers out, so each plant is at least 18 inches, but ideally 24 inches apart." Growing plants densely can also reduce airflow, increasing the risk of disease.

Areas Where Water Pools

Cucumbers have shallow roots that are susceptible to fungal diseases, meaning they do not like wet feet. "If you grow your cucumbers in an area where water typically pools after watering or rain, your plant will be much more prone to issues such as diseases or rotting roots. This could result in stunted growth or entire crop loss," says Finnegan-Carrion.