Mold looks like mold - in other words, it's blue. What you're probably seeing is yeast, which is white and bubbly. Go by smell. If the brine and the cucumbers smell good, it's fine. You can also taste a bit of cucumber (assuming they smell appealing). There's nothing there that's going to do you any damage.

Whether you see yeast or not is a function of environmental conditions including exposure to air and temperature. Just keep skimming. If you do see a bit of mold, skim well and then add a bit of vinegar. That should take care of the problem.

The cucumbers look fine.

Carol

Pickles need to be covered with brine even in the fridge.

Oh, okay so it's yeast not mold. The brine smells fine and the pickles are delicious. I'm surprised yeast developed since it's one of these fancy smancy expensive Gartopf crocks : (

So now that I know there was yeast growth, should I be checking them daily for yeast to skim like you do with other non Gartopf crocks?

Lacey I figured for long term storage I'd need to keep the pickles in brine. But I'm wondering how long this one container of pickles would last just in the fridge as is. I won't be ready to take out the rest of the pickles for another week, so I didn't think I should "steal" that much brine right now from the crock. I suppose I could make fresh brine to pour over the pickles that are already done and refrigerating?

You're going to want to make a fresh brine to store them in anyhow.

Thanks!! I better get to it : )