Carmen Cucumber!

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Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on August 11, 2012 at 13:38

On the day of the show, and leave the flower attached.

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Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on August 11, 2012 at 15:18

Seems strange that you are only showing one, most competitions call for 2 or 3 cues......

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on August 11, 2012 at 19:06

James, you can pick up to a week before

Wrap in cling film and put it in the fridge

Make sure you keep the fridge on the lowest setting

Don't do what I once did and turn it up to the highest, and froze the cucumbers lol

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Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on August 11, 2012 at 19:47

But by picking on showday the flower is fresh, and you  are less likely  to do a Smithyveg, super glueing the flower back on................

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on August 11, 2012 at 20:40

Of course you are right Fred, the show day is always best but to be able to get two identical on the same day is quite tough, even for the best showers

I know for example Charlie Maisey (Top National Shower) times his to perfection, getting up in the early hours of the morning to pick one at the right optimum size, so they match, then keeping it until the next one is due

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Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on August 11, 2012 at 22:31

Yep, have been reading up on cue growing and showing today, Smithyveg and the NVS sites, wrap in a damp towel and bung in the fridge is another trick. On onions they reckon to rub on scentless talculm powder to aid the ripening process.
 
Darren Blick said:

Of course you are right Fred, the show day is always best but to be able to get two identical on the same day is quite tough, even for the best showers

I know for example Charlie Maisey (Top National Shower) times his to perfection, getting up in the early hours of the morning to pick one at the right optimum size, so they match, then keeping it until the next one is due

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Permalink Reply by John Martin on August 12, 2012 at 9:01

James I always try to keep the cucumber on the plant. However they can go over very quickly.  With that in mind you may wish to cut and wrap in clingfilm and keep keep in the fridge.  Beware they can go limp if the fridge is too cold. 

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Permalink Reply by James Hocking on August 12, 2012 at 9:21

Well, I've taken the decision to pick it. It was on the turn of fading to a lighter colour, plus I've got another one coming up that may well be a good size for the weekend so will take a chance.

Just need to get some ripeness in the Cedrico's now and I may be in with a chance!!!

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Permalink Reply by Darren Blick on August 12, 2012 at 9:22

I tried the onions trick this year and it clogged up on the onion and ended up having to wash off. Also they never dried out

Medwyn has some powder which worked better last year for me

Fred Hogg said:

Yep, have been reading up on cue growing and showing today, Smithyveg and the NVS sites, wrap in a damp towel and bung in the fridge is another trick. On onions they reckon to rub on scentless talculm powder to aid the ripening process.
 
Darren Blick said:

Of course you are right Fred, the show day is always best but to be able to get two identical on the same day is quite tough, even for the best showers

I know for example Charlie Maisey (Top National Shower) times his to perfection, getting up in the early hours of the morning to pick one at the right optimum size, so they match, then keeping it until the next one is due

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Permalink Reply by James Hocking on August 12, 2012 at 9:26

I've used the Medwyns zinc n' talc powder on shallots this year and (so far) seems to be working really well. First time I've used it.

 

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Permalink Reply by Fred Hogg on August 12, 2012 at 18:10

Don't like to go any where near Medwyn, seriously over priced on sundry items, plus p&p charges, the likes of that can be found at half price on Amazon and E' bay, same quality..

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Permalink Reply by James Hocking on August 12, 2012 at 19:38

Yes, I'm inclined to agree with you there. I use a horti wholesaler on down on the south coast for a few things that he also sells and it's about half price or less...!

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