Need Tips for Growing Giant Cucumbers for Competition!

Check out websites like worldclassgardening.com and giantvegseeds.com. You’ll need a sturdy trellis for support, and you can use panty hoses to support the cucumbers, so they stay secure. I also suggest looking through a giant vegetable growing guide online for additional tips—it’s a bit dated, but still useful! Good luck!

Make sure to check the regulations because Armenian cucumbers might not be allowed, as they're technically not true cucumbers! If you can go for it, they can grow quite large with minimal effort. For support, I usually trellis mine to keep them off the ground.

If Armenian cucumbers are off the list, you might want to look into some Japanese or Chinese varieties. They can get pretty big! In your case, try growing in mounds or rows with black plastic mulch for a strong start. Keep the soil rich by incorporating manure and slow-release fertilizers, and focus on just one fruit once they've settled to maximize its growth. Don't forget to water often and maybe use clear plastic covers early on to keep the warmth in, especially in the UK!

While it's more about pumpkins, a good method is to let the plant focus on one fruit by cutting off other flowers. That way, all the energy goes into growing the biggest cucumber possible. I’d recommend letting it vine out on the ground, and maybe support the leaves rather than the cucumber itself, to prevent snapping the vines.