Shannon, do you plant your cucs in mounds on the ground or let them vine on a trellis? prior to this year, I've always let them wander on the ground and would get some, but not many. this is the first year I've trellised them and my production is SO much better - I don't know if it's the fact that only the roots are getting wet when I water, so the leaves and cucs are staying dry, or if this plant is just one that prefers climbing and maybe bees are getting in at the flowers better.
I've picked about 8 cucs so far and I just started picking my first one about a week ago. They have really grown fast.
I found a recipe for sweet pickles that I'm going to try. just need a few more ingredients I have to pick up at the store next time I go. After I try the recipe out I'll let you know if it tastes good or not. I think it might have just been one I found on allrecipes.