The good news is that cucumber plants can often be saved by fixing the underlying problem that’s turning the leaves yellow. There are a number of causes for yellowing leaves on cucumber plants including nutritional deficiencies in the soil, chemical pesticides that harm the plant, and other environmental factors such as lack of sunlight or overwatering.

Why are my cucumber plants turning yellow need rich, fertile soil full of nutrients to thrive and grow big enough to produce delicious, fresh cucumbers. That’s why it’s important to conduct a soil test prior to planting and amend the dirt with the recommended amount of organic material. If you didn’t do a soil test before the transplant, you can still check if the plants are suffering from a nutrient deficiency by conducting a quick soil moisture test. Simply stick your finger two inches deep into the soil to gauge moisture levels and water the cucumbers if necessary.

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The lack of chlorophyll, which gives the plant its green color, is another common cause of yellowing leaves on cucumber plants. Chlorophyll is essential to photosynthesis, which is the process that transforms sunlight into food for the plant. A lack of chlorophyll will stunt the plant’s growth and impact its ability to produce healthy fruit. Boosting the soil with more nitrogen is one way to encourage more chlorophyll in the soil and promote a healthier cucumber crop. Try mixing your own compost or using a fertilizer specifically formulated for vegetables such as cucumbers.