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This and That


Things we learned gardening:

Yes, you can learn something new, even after years and years of planting a garden.  

I came up with an idea to keep cucumbers from spreading out all over the ground, making weeding a nightmare.  

Let me back up a minute.  My husband insisted that we not plant anything whatsoever, that spreads out on a vine this year.  Between the squash bugs last year, and the tiresome weeding with vine-type plants (that spread out on the ground like spaghetti squash, pumpkins etc.), he did not want to deal with it this year.

Bent on having cucumbers from the garden, I suggested (and I came up with this on my own, not knowing it really is a way to grow these), that we use large tomato cages to grow our cucumbers.   The plants climb up and not outward.

I can't believe not one gardener suggested this to us in the last 20 some years.  If they did, I did not pay attention.  We already have a plan to build cucumber trellises for next year (vs. buying large metal tomato stakes).

I also planted my dill with the cucumbers this year to help with deterring certain bugs, and of course the ease of picking both in the same area (ha ha!).  Although the dill is still pretty small, it seems to be working well, and both are in the same location in the garden.



A long time project that has been in my project bag.  I finished this baby blanket.  It will be packaged up for donating later.  It is the only one I currently have for donation, so when I have  more I will drive them drop off donation (Mothers in need).  


I borrowed a pattern book from the library for this blanket.  The blanket pattern is in this book.  Your local library may have the book for you to check out.  There are many patterns for other items in this book too.

The book includes the pattern for these pacifier holders as well.

This and That ©  August 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

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Comments

Betsy said…
That is a GREAT idea for cucumbers. Even though I don't have a garden anymore, I'm sure it will help someone and I wish I had known it sooner. The blanket is gorgeous and thanks for the information on the book. I'll have to check our library when I get home.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
August 19, 2026 at 1:07 PM
chipmunk said…
Great idea about the tomato cages! Interestingly, I gave up on the cages this year for our tomatoes, which always seem to grow beyond them and get all tangled and sprawl everywhere, so I attatched them, as they grew, to our cucumber trellis. For the cukes, I made tepees out of 3 sticks which sorta works but it's hard to attach the plants to the sticks. I think tomato cages would work so much better!
August 19, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
Betsy, you are welcome. the book has many patterns, and has a pattern for a matching baby hat and booties to the blanket pattern I made. Blessings and hugs to you too.
August 20, 2026 at 6:36 AM
Pioneer Woman at Heart said…
chipmunk, they are working very very well, and worth thee cost for us to buy a few of them. Not only is it much easier to weed, but I can see the cucumbers so much easier to harvest too. The cucumbers do not lay on the ground either. The cucumber plants climb upward nicely. Every now and then I see a stray shoot and place it upward in the cage. I'm thrilled with how well it's working.
August 20, 2026 at 6:38 AM
Carol said…
I have never heard of using a cage for cucumbers either, but what an amazing idea
August 21, 2026 at 11:13 AM
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