Cucumbers can be grown on a fence or cage, but you may have to help the vines get started up the trellis. Avoid areas where strong winds may damage vines, because cucumbers on a trellis are much more subject to injury than are tomatoes. Irrigation is needed in dry periods to encourage heavy yields. When vines are vigorously growing and starting to set fruit they have the greatest requirement for water. Reduce watering as the plants begin production.
Male flowers predominate and usually appear before female flowers start to develop.
Many newer cucumber varieties are of the gynecious type or have a larger number of female flowers for higher yields. Bees are required to transfer pollen from male to female flowers for the fruit to develop. Harvesting Select firm dark-colored cucumbers developed before the seeds have a hard seed coat and while the skin is tender. Small cucumbers may be harvested for pickles at any stage. Removing large overgrown fruits will keep vines productive longer.