Cornichon de Paris
Cucumber in the UK

You'll want to get your cucumber seeds started indoors from April right through to June, depending on your variety. Sow them on their side, about 1-2 cm deep, in small pots or modules filled with good seed compost. They need warmth to get going, at least 15°C, so a propagator or a warm windowsill is ideal. For outdoors varieties, you can sow direct from late May once all risk of frost has well and truly passed, but starting them off inside gives them a proper head start, you know what I mean. Just one seed per pot should do it.

Once your seedlings have a couple of true leaves, they'll be ready to pot on if they're getting a bit cramped. If you bought plug plants, they'll be ready for a slightly bigger pot too. For outdoor types, you'll need to harden them off properly for a week or two before planting them out after the last frost, which is usually mid to late May up here in the North East. Greenhouse types go straight into their final spot, either in grow bags or big pots, or even directly into the greenhouse border. Give them plenty of space, about 60-90 cm between plants.