Field Preparation

The field may require plowing or subsoiling to break a hard pan. The field is then disked and/or tilled to break up soil clods. Soils with poor drainage benefit from manure or other organic matter materials incorporated into the soil. If a soil amendment such as lime is needed, broadcast it before plowing and incorporate at a depth of 10-12 inches 8-12 weeks prior to planting. This allows the lime to react with the soil to correct pH assuming sufficient moisture is available in the soil. If a nematicide is used, apply at least two weeks prior to planting in light soils and three weeks prior to planting in heavy soils. Cover crops should be turned over 2-4 weeks (earlier for the ones that decompose faster) prior to planting cucumbers to allow for litter decomposition.