In colder regions of the West,, wait until true summer has arrived. Few vegetables are as intolerant of cold soils. Cucumbers prefer a rich soil. Use drip irrigation in the driest regions, timed for about thirty minutes every other day. Consistent moisture prevents bitterness.
Cucumber beetles are a quarter of an inch long with yellow bodies and heavy black striping or spots.
They can be controlled by hand picking or spraying with pyrethrum or rotenone. The easiest method of organic culture is to cover the seeded bed tightly with floating row covers and seal the edges well. Cucumber beetles carry many diseases, such as the incurable cucumber mosaic virus and bacterial wilt. Check the flowers frequently and destroy any that are infested with beetles. They are also good for slicing when young.