Pickles: From a Seed to a Jar.

If this is your first time growing, I would start with going to your local farm stand and picking up a small cucumber plant (as opposed to planting seed).

I would plan to devote time at least once a week to tend to your garden. 

Also, once you pick the cucumbers, plan to pickle them immediately or within a day or two. Much of pickling has to do with freshness. Once you pick them they begin to start decomposing and that can lead to harmful bacteria in your final product.

Plant cucumber plants in nutrient rich soil about 6-12 inches apart in an area that has plenty of sunlight.

Water daily. Weed around plants as necessary.

Pick when cucumbers firm and ready.

Rinse and clean cucumbers. Slice in spears or round circles.

Recipes for picking cucumbers vary. Research a recipe that suits your taste. Prepare your recipe.

Once your recipe is made you can begin canning. Wash and sterilize your jars with hot soapy water. Place jars in a large pot and boil for 8-10 minutes.

Fill jars with cucumbers and pickling liquid. Leave about a 1/2 inch of room at the top. Remove any air out of the jar by pressing down on ingredients. Try inserting a knife down the side of the jar to release air bubbles. Seal the jar with lid. Do not tighten the lids too much.

Place full jars in the boiling pot for another 8-10 minutes.

Allow jars to cool. Lids will pop as they cool. This means that they are sealing.

Your pickles can remain sealed in their containers for about one year in a cool dark place. Enjoy!