[caroline17]

HI everyone, this is the second year I've tried growing cucumbers to no avail. I've fed them with miracle grow and the little fruits appear, only for the leaves to become white and the fruit to appear stunted. I've given them plenty to drink, have greenhouse shading paint, and I'm now thinking of making up a mixture of fish, blood and bone with some compost to mulch over the upper roots appearing on the soil surface. For some reason, cucumbers in the North of Scotland-even miniature ones- are proving difficult to grow for us anyway! Any tips or ideas you have would be most appreciated.

[Trillium]

I've never found miracle grow very good for veg. If you can get hold of some pelleted chicken manure, or even some aged manure, put either around the plant and water them well. Cukes respond well to these types of feeds. And do be sure your cukes aren't getting chilled at night as they really are a warm weather plant and will stop growth with cool temps or nights. You might have to enclose them in a small polytunnel or such to keep them happy. If they're already in a greenhouse, check your night temps.