Can You Grow Cucumbers In Ericaceous Compost

With so many compost options to choose from, many gardeners may wonder which are best for their crop. Not all vegetables or fruits will grow in the same conditions, and it’s essential to get the setting right before you plant your crop.Cucumbers are delicate plants that will grow best in soils with a neutral pH level. But, can you grow cucumbers in Ericaceous compost?

You can grow cucumbers in ericaceous compost however with poor results. Ericaceous compost is acidic, with a pH level of around 4 or 5, which means it’s not the most suitable option for growing cucumbers.

Cucumbers can tolerate mildly acidic soil and might grow in ericaceous compost, but they won’t produce large healthy fruits. If you’re wondering what you can grow in ericaceous compost and the best alternative for your cucumbers plants, read on because we’ll cover all your questions in this detailed guide.

What is Ericaceous Compost?

Ericaceous compost is a mixture of ingredients designed to fertilize and alter the soil for growing your crops. This compost is acidic and has a pH level of around 4 or 5. It’s best for growing acid-loving plants that dislike alkaline soil. 

The name ericaceous compost comes from a family of plants that best grow in nutrient-poor and acidic soil. The Ericaceae family of plants often evolved from woodlands or mountainsides and can only grow in acidic soil and will not grow if lime is present.

Can Cucumbers Grow in Acidic Soil?

Cucumbers can tolerate mildly acidic conditions to grow in acidic soil or with ericaceous compost. However, they’ll need plenty of fertilizer, water, and sunlight. Cucumbers also need to be planted in soil that drains well because they can become easily damaged by overwatering or flooding.

If you decide to use ericaceous compost to grow your cucumbers, it’s even more important to make sure you’re meeting their other needs. Cucumbers are heavy feeders, so you should spread 1-2 tablespoons of fertilizer on each hill you’ve planted them. 

What Can You Not Plant With Cucumbers?

When planting your garden, you need to consider which plants will help each other thrive and which can impede the growth of others. Not all plants can share the same garden. Some have different nutritional or soil needs, and cucumbers won’t do well with certain plants sharing the same space.

Potatoes, melons, and sage are all plants that you should avoid planting next to cucumbers. This is because cucumbers can encourage blight in your potatoes, which can put all of your plants at risk. Melons also shouldn’t be planted next to cucumbers because they both attract the same types of insects. Planting gourds next to your cucumbers can turn your garden into a pest’s haven and leave your crops damaged.

Some plants are great to plant with cucumbers because they’ll encourage each other’s growth. Below is a list of plants that are the perfect companions for your cucumbers.

• Tomatoes
• Beans
• Corn
• Peas
• Radishes
• Marigolds
• Nasturtiums

What Can I Grow in Ericaceous Compost?

Ericaceous compost is acidic and best for growing plants that thrive in soil with an acidic pH level. Most of these plants also prefer soil that’s absent of lime. These plants have mainly evolved from mountainsides, woodlands, or heathland and can’t absorb the nutrients in alkaline soil, so they need acidic soil to grow. 

The following plants are perfect for planting with Ericaceous compost-

• Rhododendrons
• Blueberries
• Summer-flowering heath/Calluna Vulgaris
• Arugula
• Holly
• Bayberry
• Inkberry
• Hibiscus
• Dogwood
• Ferns
• Daffodils
• Azaleas
• Witch Hazel

This is just a shortlist, but many other plants will do well with ericaceous compost. The key is to find lime-hating plants that thrive in acidic soil. These are the types of plants that will grow well in ericaceous compost, and while each is unique, they’re all very easy to care for.

Can You Use Ericaceous Compost For All Plants?

As we’ve already touched on, ericaceous compost is acidic and therefore unsuitable for growing certain plants. The plants that will thrive with ericaceous compost need soil acidic, absent of lime, well-drained, and most. These plants all share similar needs because they’ve evolved from similar climates.

Some plants won’t do well with ericaceous compost because they require different nutrients and conditions to grow. Plants that grow best in alkaline soil with a neutral pH level aren’t going to reach their full potential if they’re planted with ericaceous compost.

Some plants that shouldn’t be planted with ericaceous compost include:

• Lily of the Valley
• Ornamental Clovers
• Polemoniums
• Lavender
• Honeysuckle
• Spindle
• Lilac

These are all plants that need dense, nutrient-rich soil. They do best in alkaline soil and wouldn’t be able to tolerate the acidity of ericaceous compost.

Do Acers Grow In Ericaceous Compost?

Acers are another name for Japenese Maple, and these plants can make a wonderful addition to your garden. They can grow to heights of 15-25′ and add a majestic aesthetic to your garden with their beautiful red foliage. 

These plants thrive best in acidic soil with the proper nutrients and drain well. Ericaceous compost will provide the correct nutrition and soil structure so they can grow to their full height and thrive.

This plant could also benefit from adding peat moss to your garden. It will help balance the soil and work similarly to adding ericaceous compost. To make sure your plant has the right conditions, plant them in an area where they’ll receive limited sunlight. Acers need sunlight to grow, but too much can harm them. It’s best to grow them under a light canopy or in a partially shaded area.

Final Thoughts

Ericaceous compost can be a great additive to your garden if you’re growing acid-loving and lime-hating plants such as summer-flowering heathers, rhododendrons, blueberries, ferns, and daffodils. While cucumber plants can tolerate mild acidity, it isn’t the best for their growth.

Cucumbers do best in soil with a neutral pH level and will thrive in the company of other plants, such as tomatoes, beans, and corn. Understanding and creating the best conditions for your cucumbers plants will help you grow the best crop possible.