Squash, corn and cucumbers
Ridge cucumbers are shorter and rougher than the shop kind, with far more flavour.
Sow indoors in late April, one seed to a pot. Plant out in June in a sheltered, sunny spot with plenty of compost, and train them up netting or a wigwam to keep the fruit clean. Choose an outdoor (ridge) variety, and leave the male flowers on.
Cut while they are young and firm. Regular picking keeps them coming.
What goes wrong
Stress from cold or drought. Keep them watered and sheltered.
Water at the roots.
Protect young plants.
Good neighbours: Sweetcorn, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers.
Same family