Step 1

Add the pickling lime to ice water and soak the cucumbers overnight. Remember to rinse them three times before continuing the canning process.

Step 2

If you don't have, or want to use, pickling lime, then simply soak freshly picked cucumbers in a tub of ice water overnight.

Step 3

Remove and dry the cucumbers, then pack them into sterilized jars along with the garlic cloves, dill sprig, and peppercorns. (For pickle spears, cut the pickles lengthwise before placing them in the jars.)

Step 4

In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the vinegar and salt and boil for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, leaving ¼ inch of headroom.

Step 6

Wipe dry the rims of the jars, then cap each with a lid and screw band.

Step 7

Prepare a boiling water bath and process the jars in it for 10 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the jars from the bath and set them on a towel on the counter. They will “seal” during the cooling-off process.

Step 9

Place any jars that do not seal properly in the refrigerator and use first.