Growing Cucumber 'Spacemaster' in Small Gardens
By The Diggers Club - Australia's No.1 Gardening Club | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how to grow Cucumber 'Spacemaster' in small spaces. This compact organic variety yields up to 30 slicing cucumbers per plant with minimal garden room.
Quick answer
Cucumber 'Spacemaster' is a compact 60cm vine that yields roughly 30 slicing cucumbers per plant, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, and tight spaces. Follow these steps to grow it successfully.
Why Spacemaster suits small gardens
Unlike sprawling cucumber vines that can take over a bed, 'Spacemaster' stays compact at just 60cm. This makes it perfect for raised beds, large pots, or even a sunny balcony. The deep green 20cm fruits are ideal for slicing, though note this variety is not burp-free — a trade-off for its space-saving habit.
Step-by-step growing guide
- Choose the right container or bed: Use a pot at least 30cm deep and wide, or a garden bed with well-draining soil. Spacemaster's compact size means one plant per 30cm pot or every 45cm in the ground. Overcrowding reduces airflow and invites disease; stick to one plant per container.
- Sow seeds at the right depth and time: Plant seeds 1-2cm deep after the last frost when soil is at least 18°C. In warm climates, sow directly; in cooler areas, start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Cold soil causes rot; wait for warmth or use a heat mat.
- Provide full sun and consistent water: Place in full sun (6-8 hours daily). Water deeply 2-3 times per week, keeping soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around the base to retain moisture. Inconsistent watering leads to bitter fruit; water at the base to avoid leaf mildew.
- Support the vine lightly: A small trellis or stake helps keep fruit off the ground and saves space. Spacemaster's 60cm vine is manageable with just a single stake or cage. Even compact vines benefit from support for cleaner fruit.
- Harvest regularly for best quality: Pick cucumbers when they reach 15-20cm long, bright green, and firm. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage more fruit production. Leaving overripe fruit on the vine signals the plant to stop producing.
About Cucumber 'Spacemaster'
- Cucumber 'Spacemaster' (Organic): A compact 60cm vine that won't overrun your garden. Produces deep green 20cm fruits ideal for slicing, but is our only variety that isn't burp free. Yields roughly 30 fruit per plant. You get high yields in limited space, but may experience mild burping after eating — a minor downside for the convenience of a small vine.
Cucumber 'Spacemaster' (Organic)
