[Beetroot Queen]

I am pretty sure I am being wound up a treat but little Ann told me if you dont want a whole cucumber on the day you can take half and leave the other half on the plant and it will stay fresh for a few days until you need it. 

Ok now laugh. I was sure she was pulling my leg

[crh75]

I have heard that but never tried it!

[mumofstig]

This was discussed a few weeks ago 

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=115459.msg1331162#msg1331162

[Nobbie]

Just make sure you take the bottom half first

[mumofstig]

 

[Beetroot Queen]

Well I missed it the first time but very interesting it was too. I thought they were joking 

[3759allen]

i find mine keep ok for up to a week in the fridge so personally don't see the need to only cut off halves at a time.

[Totty]

No cucumber that's put in the fridge will be anywhere near as fresh as straight off the vine, weather it's been in there a week or a day is irrelevant.
To answer the initial question, yes you can and should cut off what you need, and leave the rest on the plant to heal and stay fresh.

Totty

[solway cropper]

There is another answer: only grow short cucumbers like La Diva which are picked when about 6 inches long. When there's only two of you long cucumbers are a complete waste.

[compostqueen]

I grow mini cucs! They are the bees knees    Cucino I like as the plant is so compact and doesn't take up much space in the greenhouse. The fruits are firm and crunchy 

[crh75]

I'm growing Superbel. They're a short variety and taste amazing.  Have had nine so far and lots more growing.

[devonbarmygardener]

I only grow short ones - 'Passandra' but I'm now intrigued to try this!!

[JayG]

Outdoor Marketmore cukes look OK, but I'd be happy to produce just one indoor cuke in my 4th year of trying - I wouldn't cut it in half or eat any of it (I'm thinking framed photo and the cuke itself stuffed and mounted in a display case for posterity!  )

GH cukes looking better than in previous years having provided them with more shade, but please don't tell anyone - still waiting for first fruit...........

[Beetroot Queen]

Outdoor Marketmore cukes look OK, but I'd be happy to produce just one indoor cuke in my 4th year of trying - I wouldn't cut it in half or eat any of it (I'm thinking framed photo and the cuke itself stuffed and mounted in a display case for posterity!  )

GH cukes looking better than in previous years having provided them with more shade, but please don't tell anyone - still waiting for first fruit...........

We have only just had our first from the GH 

[The Red Baron]

Wow, I must be lucky. First ever year of growing and managed to get 5 cuke plants....all are producing massive fruits too....don't know what to do with them....beginners luck I suspect