If you’re a homesteader or simply a lover of pickles, you might be wondering how many pickle cucumbers you need to plant in order to have enough to can. Here’s a handy guide to help you figure out the number of cucumber plants you need, based on the amount of pickles you want to can.
Step 1: Determine the number of pickles you want to can.
The first step in figuring out how many cucumber plants you need is to determine the amount of pickles you want to can. A general rule of thumb is to plan for approximately 4-6 pounds of cucumbers per quart of pickles you want to can. Keep in mind that cucumber yields can vary greatly depending on the variety you grow, the conditions in your garden, and other factors.
Step 2: Choose the right cucumber variety.
Once you know how many pounds of cucumbers you want to grow, it’s time to choose the right cucumber variety. There are many different types of cucumbers, but the best varieties for canning are typically small to medium-sized pickling cucumbers, such as ‘Bush Pickle’, ‘County Fair’, or ‘Calypso’. These varieties have a tender skin and a crisp texture that make them perfect for pickling.
Step 3: Calculate the number of cucumber plants you need.
To calculate the number of cucumber plants you need, consider the following factors:
Cucumber plant yield: Different cucumber varieties will have different yields, so check the seed packet or plant tag to determine the average number of cucumbers each plant will produce. For example, a ‘Bush Pickle’ plant may produce 4-6 cucumbers per plant, while a ‘County Fair’ plant may produce 5-7 cucumbers.
Garden space: The size of your garden will also determine the number of plants you can grow. Keep in mind that cucumber plants need plenty of room to grow, so be sure to plant them in an area where they will have enough space to spread out.
Canning schedule: Consider when you want to can your pickles. If you want to can pickles all at once, you’ll need to plant enough cucumbers to produce all the pickles you need in one growing season. If you’d rather spread out your canning over several seasons, you can plant smaller batches of cucumbers and can them as they mature.
Calculation
Using the average yield per plant, your garden space, and your canning schedule, you can now calculate the number of cucumber plants you need. For example, if you want to can 24 quarts of pickles, and you have room for 10 cucumber plants in your garden, you’ll need 40-60 pounds of cucumbers, or 10-15 cucumber plants.
Step 4: Plant and care for your cucumber plants.
Once you’ve figured out how many cucumber plants you need, it’s time to get them in the ground. Cucumbers prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and they like to be in a sunny location. They can be planted directly in the ground or started in pots and then transplanted once they have a few leaves.
In order to maximize your cucumber yield, be sure to provide your plants with adequate moisture and fertility. Cucumbers are heavy feeders, so you may need to supplement with compost or fertilizer to keep them growing strong.
Step 5: Harvest and can your pickles.
As your cucumbers mature, they’ll be ready to pick when they are small to medium in size and firm to the touch. Be sure to pick them regularly to prevent them from getting too big.
Need a recipe? Try ours: Garlic Dill Pickles Canning Recipe and tips!
