Outside garden fridge?? Whats that? Just a refrigerator that is outdoors, plugged in, and having to compete with the heat of the sun? Burpless varieties tend to contain more water and are not very good for pickling. Try to pick the cukes when they are under 4 inches long. Make sure you water the plants every day and pick any large ones that might have been missed. Once a few of these overgrown cukes get big, the rest of the plants stop producing. When I make pickled cukes, I plant several picking types only, to avoid cross pollination. Whatever I pick that morning are made into pickles that same day without delay. My batches can range from a single quart to over 12 quarts in a single batch. It all depends on how many I pick. If I do have only a few, they do get stored in the vegetable crisper of my 36-37 degree fridge. I don't use any after storing them two days. You know something is wrong with the cukes and your fridge when they get slimy on the outside (usually from store bought ones a day later).

Oh no ! I wonder what happened to your cucumbers in the fridge ? I am sorry. That doesn't make sense that they would do that. Perhaps try just one or two and put in water in the fridge and see if they stay crisp, as an experiment. That or just make half a batch when you get the 12 cucumbers. I know it is a pain, but you could do some that way. Then, just make up half of the syrup, too, when it is time for it.
Those pickles are good, and I am not being biased, ha ha !
I hope you get enough cucumbers to make them and the pickle fairy will grant you your request for the pickles.
Truly,
Linda Lou

Thanks for the tip Linda Lou! My family has operated a good size produce farm for several generations. When I say outside/outdoor fridge, I am referring to them being housed in outbuildings specifically utilized for a multitude of freezers and gardening fridges. I should have explained that in more detail. It is definitely more climate controlled than most garages. We have used this method for years and years - no problems. We are fully irrigated with cucumbers growing vertically on six foot fences. All pickling cucumbers have been picked between four to five inches. They look perfect when picked. The next day they are not shriveling, just softer feeling than they should be. I will try halving the recipe for now. As I stated before these are just starting to come on; so the production will increase by next week. It is just so hard to be patient when you want to try something new!

Thanks to all!

You might try rehydrating the soft cukes by putting them in ice water for a couple of hours. It would be easy to try.

Some vague memory tells me it works.

Jim

Thanks for the idea! Between all of you and your ideas, I'm hoping for a prosperous day!