Yep, the "onions/cucumbers" one is new to me also. Worth a try though! I've gotten to where I grow squash and harvest it as long as I can before I lose to the squash bugs. I'll give it a try next year.
I think I would've liked growing in the "old days". Then again, the way I grew up growing is now considered the 'old days'. :>_)
A nice read, Chris!
Shoe