Cucumbers and peanuts make great companions in the garden and can be planted in close proximity with the aid of a trellis. Or a fence. Any climbing support will do!
The key is to lift the cucumber plant from the ground, allowing its large floppy leaves to hang freely and unencumbered. Not only does this allow space below for the peanuts to spread and drop their pegs, it also maintains good airflow for the cucumber plant which reduces fungus problems, something my cucumber plants have been plagued by throughout the years. Thank you, Florida heat and humidity!
Anyhoo. One of the reasons these two get along so well is that peanuts are a member of the legume family and will fix nitrogen into the soil, a macro nutrient cucumbers will hungrily take in. Both prefer the warmer temperatures which is why they work well in my “transition” garden–the combination of plants in the final stages of maturity after the summer season (peanuts) and those first going into the ground come early September (cucumbers).
Another lovely aspect that has nothing to do with improved growth conditions is that both sport gorgeous yellow blooms. Beautiful!
Gardening is such a joy. And easy when you consider these plants grow all by themselves. You simply get to enjoy the show!
These peanuts were planted last May and are finally nearing harvest time. In order for them to set their peanuts, the soil must be well-tilled and soft, else the pegs won’t be able to drop and penetrate. Peanuts grow underground and are quite delicate. They are the “green peanuts” you see in the produce section and perfect for boiling–one of our favorite ways to consume peanuts! Try my Southern Boiled Peanuts recipe and you’ll be hooked, too.
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