There are dozens of cucumber varieties and hybrids that are commercially available and that we can plant. Depending on the size of the fruit, the cucumber varieties are divided into the large-fruited varieties and the small-fruited varieties that, in addition to being fresh, are also used for pickling. A traditional long-fruited variety of cucumber is the Kalybiotiko cucumber, suitable for summer outdoor cultivation that gives very tasty smooth dark green fruits, about 40 cm long. Among the small-fruited varieties, we distinguish the Knossos variety, from the Heraklion region of Crete, with a smooth, dark green, crunchy fruit about 20 centimeters long. Long cucumber, a traditional variety of cucumber.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium): Anthriscus cerefolium is an aromatic plant and is closely related to parsley. Grows to a height of 50cm. It has flat lacy leaves, which have an anise-like aroma. Light green color that gradually turns red brown as the plant matures. Blooms in mid-summer.

Chives thrive in fertile soils, rich in organic matter and with very good drainage. It seeks a cool environment, it is resistant to cold and in sunny places it shows better growth and production, however, excessive moisture tends to cause it to rot in the root. Chives are propagated by seed. We can plant the chives directly by sowing in the field as long as when it reaches a growth of 10-15 cm we thin them at distances of 20-30 cm. If we get ready-made plants from a nursery, we plant them at suitable planting distances of 30-40 cm between plants and 50-60 cm between rows. To plant the chives on the balcony, choose a pot with a diameter of 30 cm and add general-purpose potting soil, enriched in nutrients, that ensures good drainage.

Carrot, one of the most delicious and nutritious vegetables that we plant in the spring and autumn season. Famous for the sweet, crunchy and aromatic taste of its fleshy root, the carrot is a favorite food for young and old. It grows in the ground with its leaves protruding above the soil, as is the case with beetroot, radish, onion and garlic. The carrot is eaten fresh in winter salads along with cabbage and lettuce, but also cooked in various recipes, such as in the traditional bean salad. We can also make carrot cake, thanks to its sweet taste. Carrots need relatively cool conditions to grow and perform well, as well as plenty of sunlight. Ideal temperature conditions for carrot cultivation are between 16-18°C. Carrot cultivation is relatively resistant to winter frost, while at high temperatures that exceed 25°C the growth of the carrot root stops, it becomes woody and its color fades.

Strawberry, the favorite fruit of young and old with its unique juicy taste. The best way to enjoy the most delicious strawberries, full of rich aroma, is to grow our own strawberries in the garden or on the balcony. Strawberries are very healthy and have significant nutritional value. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, while at the same time they offer significant antioxidant activity. Strawberries are the ideal fruit for novice gardeners of all ages, as they don’t require too much care, can be grown in a pot or in a flower bed, and each plant gives us enough fruit. The strawberry plant is a perennial and herbaceous that spreads on the ground and climbs. The strawberry has a central stem, of low height, from which the leaves, flowers and fruits that are formed in spring and summer emerge. Strawberry cultivation lasts about 3-4 years before the productivity of the plants starts to decrease significantly and we will have to replace the crop by planting new strawberry plants to ensure new strawberry plants.

Cucumber is a thick, ground-growing annual vine that grows on scaffolding or any other supporting framework, wrapping thin, spiraling stems around the nerve. The plant has large, spiny, hairy triangular leaves that form a canopy over the fruits, and yellow flowers that are mostly either male or female. Female flowers are identified by the swollen ovary at the base, which will become the edible fruit.