Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are warmth-loving plants that stop growing below about 12 °C. Sow indoors in late April in individual pots at 20–25 °C, as the roots dislike disturbance, or sow directly outdoors in mid-May once the soil is warm. Plant out after the Ice Saints in mid-May, in a sunny, sheltered bed enriched with plenty of compost, about 40–60 cm apart. Slicing cucumbers crop best trained up a trellis or netting, which saves space and keeps the leaves dry; pickling types can sprawl on a straw mulch. Water generously and regularly with lukewarm water at the base – uneven moisture makes the fruit bitter and misshapen. Powdery and downy mildew are the main diseases, especially late in summer; good spacing, morning watering and resistant varieties help. Pick fruits young and often, every two or three days, because a single overripe cucumber left on the plant slows the formation of new ones.