Cucumber
I really did not think I can grow cucumber in my own garden, I mean, I though it grows in Cameron Highlands (this is a much cooler place in Malaysia), but not in other places in Malaysia. So after I sowed the seeds in the pot, I did not pay much attention to it….but amazingly all the 4 seeds germinated and young plants started to grow.
I was also surprised to learn that cucumber originated from India…… I am also not sure if cucumber are considered a fruit or vegetable, but I guess, it can be both. I also did not know the leaves of the cucumber have a very stinky smell…. Wow, there’s a lot I did not know about cucumber…………
Cucumber is also known as Cukes, Timun (Bahasa Malaysia), Vellaree Kai (Tamil). I found out that the cucumbers are susceptible to insect and diseases but they are prolific producers.
They are the members of the Cucurbita family which includes pumpkins, squash, and gourds (vining plants). Like tomato and roses, cucumbers are also big eaters. They need plenty of nitrogen.
I found these two insects in my cucumber plants (did not manage to snap their pictures L though….) They are the cucumber beetles and the squash vine borer…
Cucumber Beetle feeds on the leaves of the plants and can cause damage by spreading disease to other plants. As for the Squash Vine Borer which bores into the vine, usually near the tap root ,and will eat right through the vine. Once it gets inside, the only way to kill it is to surgically remove it
Cucumbers are highly nutritious and are a good source of sulfur, silicon, chlorine potassium, sodium, magnesium, and fluorine. They are also said to help aid digestion and constipation and also used as a beauty aid.
And as usual, you can go here http://vegeyum.wordpress.com/2008/06/01/cucumbersalad/ for a great recipe on cucumber with sesame seed..Happy trying.
Let’s go Green
