It is not often you find the perfect balance between desire and supply, but I think I have cracked it. The courgettes may be coming thick and fast, going soft in the veg rack or turning to marrows on the plot (I now accept that I am the only person in the house who likes them, and that four plants was too many). Raspberries came and went in such a flash that we were all left yearning. But with the cucumbers alone I have it sussed. My three plants sate - just! - our cucumber appetite, and not a single 'cumber goes wrinkly in the bottom of the fridge.
Both of my children, in common with many other kids, have an unaccountable love for cucumbers. We can easily chomp through a half a cucumber every meal, if given the chance. It dawned on me at seed sowing time that this was the vegetable (yes, yes, fruit) on which I spend the most cash and so I really should try to grow some.
Cucumber growing has always seemed a bit daunting, but the description for 'Miniature White' in the Real Seed catalogue made it sound so easy I gave it a go. Three plants in a huge tub in the greenhouse. That's it. OK, I water them, and I did put three canes in for them to climb up but they are so little trouble and are just pumping out those sweet, white, mini cukes. You don't even need a greenhouse according to Real Seeds, just plant 'em out in the ground and off they will romp, although not too far: they are also extremely compact. As you might expect from the perfect vegetable.
I have found my vegetable nirvana. What's yours?
