Cucumber seeds will germinate quickly in just 6-12 days. Be sure to protect young seedlings from marauding birds. One easy foil is to use old plastic strawberry baskets that you remove when the seedlings begin to crowd them. I stake my cucumber vines because I find that training the vines up supports saves garden space and results in straighter fruits that are easier to see and harvest. I use soft string or twine to tie up the vines as they begin to ramble.
Cucumbers require consistent moisture.
Periods of alternating dry and wet conditions stress these shallow rooted plants and result in bitter and stubby fruits. Pick cucumbers on the young side, before seeds mature and while fruits are firm-fleshed. Harvest often, every 2 or 3 days in peak season, to keep plants producing. Fresh cucumbers are sweet, crunchy and refreshing. Dill, mint, fennel and parsley are all herbs that complement and enhance their flavor.