Cucumber plants need air flow, so be sure not to crowd the plants. You can fit about three plants in a five-gallon bucket, spacing them out evenly.

Or, make cucumber cups by cutting one-inch-thick pieces and scooping out the center. For more contrast in flavor and texture, add a little cream cheese, crème fraiche, goat cheese, or thick yogurt.

But if you want to branch out, try some unexpected cucumber concoctions. Try baking them with butter and onions at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour — a method Julia Child loved. A great tip ...