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It's the season for cucumbers

LSU AgCenter

Some of the most popular vegetables planted in home vegetable gardens belong to the cucumber family. Members of this family are called cucurbits. Many from this family can be planted this month, including summer squash, winter squash, mirliton, pumpkin, gourd, gugutka, watermelon, cantaloupe, cushaw, luffa, and, of course, cucumber.

All of these vegetables produce vines that crawl along the ground or climb. Summer squash is the exception as the vines are more bush-like.

One thing to remember is that both sexes of flowers grow on the same plant, so you don't need multiple plants.

Avoid using insecticides on your flowers in the morning, which is when your pollinators will be most active.

Dan is an Associate Professor in Consumer Horticulture with the LSU AgCenter. He is the spokesperson for the LSU AgCenter’s "Get It Growing project," an effort encouraging home horticulture throughout Louisiana. Dan is also author of "Month-by-Month Gardening in Louisiana" and co-author of the "Louisiana Gardener’s Guide."