Deformed cucumbers

There are a number of things that can cause deformed cucumbers such as the ones in your picture.  In adequate pollination is a frequent cause of that condition. Not enough water can also cause that, since cucumbers are 96% water, plants need a lot of water during the formation of the fruit. Another frequent cause of such deformity can be too much fertilizer, but that should not be a problem with your gardens if you are using a good blend of composts -- that is assuming your MM does not include too much manure or worm castings.

Can you shed a little more light on the condition of your beds, the watering, etc.?

rdhwyalane wrote:I'm guessing I probably don't water enough.  It usually rains here about once a week, and I try to water with the hose in between (I don't have an irrigation system).  How often do you water?

It is important to know when to water, and how much. Vegetable plants need 1" of water per week.  Do you get one inch of rain per week? If not you need to add enough water to bring it up to 1". For example, if the rain gauge says you got 1/4" inch of rain, you need to add 3/4" of water. I use a moisture meter to periodically check the soil for the moisture level - if it is moist, leave it alone, but if it is dry add water.

  Can you hand pollinate the way you can with squash?

Yes, they can be hand pollinated.  Check your plants early in the morning to see if there are bees busy pollinating the plants. The bees are most active in the early morning, before the sun gets too hot, so you should see a lot of activity on the plants at that time of the day.  If you are not seeing bees on the flowers, and you may need alternative pollination techniques. 

Be sure to interplant flowers in your gardens to attract pollinators. Vegetables alone are not enough to attract pollinators, they need an abundance of flowers.

This honeybee is enjoying a cucumber flower