May 2026: Straight-Eight Cucumbers

This month’s seed kit features Straight-Eight Cucumbers!

Straight-Eight Cucumbers

The Straight Eight cucumber is well-named! It is known for producing abundant, eight-inch-long, straight fruits, which are perfect for either slicing or pickling. With a dark green exterior and a sweet, crisp interior, it is sure to be a great addition to any dish.  

Planting Instructions

Culture:

The Straight Eight cucumber grows best in warm weather. It does well when the soil is between 60–85°F. Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last spring frost, or plant them outside at least 2 weeks after the last frost. Plant 3–4 seeds about 1 inch deep in soil that drains well. The soil should be loose and slightly sandy, with a pH of 6.5–7.0. For best results, plant in a sunny spot. Use small mounds (about 8 inches tall) and a trellis to help the plants grow and save space. Seeds usually emerge in 7–10 days. 

Water:

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not too wet. When the seedlings appear, water them regularly. If watering is uneven, the cucumbers may taste bitter. Straight Eight cucumbers need about 1–2 inches of water each week.

Harvest:

Straight Eight cucumbers are ready to harvest in 50–60 days. Pick them when they are fully green and firm. If you leave them on the vine too long, they can turn yellow and taste bitter. Use a knife or clippers to cut the cucumbers from the vine. Do not twist or pull them, because this can hurt the plant. To harvest cucumbers all season, plant new seeds every two weeks.

More About Straight-Eight Cucumbers

The cucumber is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. This family also includes melon, pumpkin, and squash. Cucumbers are believed to have started in India, where people have grown them for over 3,000 years. 

Later, cucumbers were grown in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. As Roman armies traveled across Europe, cucumbers spread with them. Christopher Columbus's 1494 voyage to Haiti brought cucumbers to the New World.. 

Have you heard the saying “cool as a cucumber”? It’s true! Cucumbers are mostly water. When you cut one open, the inside is often cooler than the air around it. Long ago, people even used cucumbers to help cool someone with a fever. 

Cucumbers are also healthy. They have potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, and fiber. They also have nutrients that can help protect your body. Plus, one cup of cucumber has only 16 calories!  

Tzatziki Sauce

 Serves: 4   Prep time: 5-30 minutes  

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of. finely grated cucumber
• 1 cup of Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp. of lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt
• 1 tbsp. of dill, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. of mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grate cucumber using the large holes on a box grater. Place the grated cucumbers into a kitchen towel and squeeze out the water.
2. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and chopped dill. Stir to blend. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for 5–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Tzatziki sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pita bread, falafel, roasted vegetables, and as a sandwich or burger spread. Tzatziki sauce can be stored for 3 -5 days in the refrigerator.

Craft: Plated Artwork

You’ll Need:

• Assorted fruits and vegetables
• A sharp knife (with adult supervision if crafting with kids)
• Plates

Instructions:

1. Start with an idea or photo of the picture you want to make. Let’s use flowers as an example!
2. Use colorful fruits and vegetables to create your design. Try oranges or beets for flower petals. Use radishes for white, cucumbers for light green, and asparagus or green beans for grass and leaves. Be creative and have fun!
3. Bon appétit! After you share and admire your healthy artwork, enjoy eating it. Good food should not go to waste.