I'm thinking about what varieties of cucumbers to grow this year, and was wondering what varieties, if any, that grow well for other Mainers. I'm in northern Oxford County, btw, with plenty of water, heat, and bugs. Water, heat, and bugs: I think that pretty well describes Maine in the summer.

Anyway, two somewhat dependable varieties that grow well for me are Lemon and Miss Pickler, both of which grow fairly strong healthy vines, but neither start producing for me until about a month before frost, when the days are getting noticeably shorter.

In past years, I've tried many varieties that catalogs said were for northern climates, but I haven't had much luck. I don't think that many seed companies test cucumbers here in Maine, except Pinetree Seeds and possibly Fedco. Haven't had much luck with Fedco in the past, though. This year, I was thinking about trying West Indian Gherkin, Mexican Sour Gherkin, and the parthenocarpic varieties Sweet Success, Diva, Sweet Slice, & Vertina. The parthenocarpic varieties produce fruit even when not pollinated. Though that only works if the plants survive and bloom in a timely manner. Also, maybe an Asian one. Haven't had any luck with them in the past, but who knows?

So, what cucumbers grow well for you?

-NWL