The bed is very deep - a lot deeper than my other raised beds - and the plants are obviously enjoying this. The cucumbers are climbing up their supports at an amazing pace. The plant seen in the right foreground below is the only one from the original batch of six to have done well (two more have survived but are not very enthusiastic), but the ones from the second sowing are catching up fast.
Most of the fruits from these so-called "cocktail cucumbers" are straight and pretty regular, but the occasional one bucks the trend by being curved:
This one is a fine specimen:
But this is one that is not so picturesque! It nearly got overlooked altogether and I only found it when I was furtling round picking some of the "Maskotka" tomatoes. It had been laying on the surface of the compost, and the slugs had had a good nibble at it.
Anyway, looks are not everything. After being peeled, it was just as good as its siblings.
I always go back and forth about raised beds that are really raised high. It become much easier to take care of unless you have something tall. I even resent my 6" raised beds when I have my pole beans going up 7'. But everything else would be so much easier to reach.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the dimensions of that raised bed, Mark. I rather like the size.
ReplyDeleteBeauty is in he eye of the beholder or in this case the taste of the consumer!
ReplyDeleteI must say it really is a beautiful raised bed.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a load of tomato fruits!
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful photos, Mark! I'm inspired to do the same!
ReplyDeleteHooray! you're getting the cucumbers!
ReplyDeleteExcellent crops Mark
ReplyDeleteFine specimens indeed Mark and it's good to know that looks aren't everything! ;D
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of raised beds and plan to put lots in my veggie plot once I start. But I think I need a tractor to visit first!
Have a great day...enjoy! :D