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
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Ontario Produce Auction

July 15, 2025
Stanley, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.
Orleans Summer Vegetable Meeting, 2025

July 16, 2025
Waterport, NY
Meeting themes are pest management in a wide array of produce and best practices for pesticide use. Professor Brian Nault will cover allium leaf miner and thrips in onions, garlic, and leeks, and discuss insect challenges in other crops. Bring your questions! We'll also have a field walk that includes high tunnel tomato and cucumber.
DEC credits available: 0.5 in CORE plus either 1.25 in 1a and 23, or 0.75 in 24.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Finger Lakes Produce Auction

July 18, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
This evening meeting will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.