High Tunnel Cucumber Trial, 2012
Judson Reid, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

- High quality fruit
- Decreased downy mildew
- Quicker yields than tomatoes
Disadvantages include:
- Powdery Mildew
- Spider Mites
- Higher labor than tomatoes
The Cornell Vegetable Program worked with several seed companies to conduct a variety trial of high tunnel cucumbers in 2012.
Conclusions
Cucumbers remain an underutilized crop in Northeast high tunnels. The varieties in this trial exceeded 10 lbs of fruit in just 10 weeks of production . As more tunnel growers look to create rotations which accommodate cool season greens, cucumbers provide greater flexibility than tomatoes, which require 6-7 months in the soil to reach maximum economic return. However, cucumbers are more likely to suffer from pests such as mites and thrips, which increases input costs for control measures. Labor on cucumbers is also higher than that of tomatoes.
Read the full report below.
The Cornell Vegetable Program and cooperating grower express gratitude to Harris Seed and Bejo Seed for their collaboration in this project.
2012 High Tunnel Cucumber Trial Full Report (pdf; 576KB)

Upcoming Events
Orleans Regional Winter Vegetable Meeting
February 9, 2026
Albion, NY
Topics include: Breeding and evaluating tomatoes to control disease and improve yield, jar testing and ensuring spray water quality, breaking down organic matter, FSMA updates and Q&A with Ag & Markets, and industry updates. Includes hands-on learning, coffee break, and sponsor booths.
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March 5, 2026
Join us to learn about the Cornell African Eggplant Research Project and learn how you can participate! African eggplant, also known as Bitterball, Garden Egg, Kittley and other names, is an important crop for many members of our community with heritage from regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Since 2024, the Cornell African Eggplant Research Project has been collaborating with growers and community partners across New York to develop high-quality varieties adapted to the Northeast U.S. In this meeting, we will share information about growing and preparing African eggplant, highlight our research to date, and invite partners to collaborate with us in our 2026 participatory breeding and variety selection efforts.
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March 6, 2026
Swede midge is an invasive fly that causes serious economic losses to brassica crops. Due to its small size and hidden feeding habits, swede midge is often called an "invisible pest" and damage may be misdiagnosed. In this webinar, we will review the swede midge life cycle and crop damage symptoms, current management recommendations, new research findings, and highlights from on-farm case studies with a focus on organic management.
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