Things to do

• Arts and crafts
• Books for kids
• Easy card games
• Garden games
• Gardening with children
• Gardens in miniature
• Growing vegetables
• Having a laugh
• Home fun
• Music and rhythm
• Older kids outdoor games
• Online games for kids
• Online games for mums
• Playing and talking

Gardening: Growing Veg - Cucumbers

People often think that cucumbers need to be grown in a greenhouse and that they require a lot of space. This isn't true, you can get some varieties that grow outside and are compact enough to grow in containers or a grow bag with some netting or trellis for support if needed.

You can start the seeds off indoors from about late April, but if you haven't much space wait a month and plant them where they'll be growing outside - just make sure any chance of frost has passed.

Plant the seeds 1inch deep at least a foot apart (2 in a growbag) and keep well watered. Pinch out growing tips after 6 or 7 leaves have developed as this will produce side shoots and more cucumbers for you. The shoots can then be guided through trellis or net for support or left to vine on the floor although this last option could cause a tripping hazard for your little helpers.

Varieties to try:

• F1 Burpless Tasty Green: An outdoor variety suitable for organic crowing. Tastes best when picked at about 9"long.
• F1 Prima Top: A compact outdoor variety that produces a good crop. Said to be an ideal choice for small families.
• Crystal Apple: May not be so good for growing outdoors but will baffle any guest to your table this summer as it looks more like a golden delicious apple than a traditional cucumber.