Get a grip on your cucumber growth

I’ve read I need to “pinch out” my cucumbers – what does this mean exactly? Matt, via email

DAVID: Once your plant has seven or eight leaves, remove the tip of the plant, cutting off from above the seventh leaf.

This will encourage side shoots, which is where your cucumbers will form. You can also remove the ends of side shoots as the fruit begins to set, leaving more energy for the growth of the cucumbers.