Nope.I just quarter or either cabbage heads and do a traditional ferment. I have some every so often for its bacterial benefits. I never had luck with cucumbers, but I believe you have to use pickling salt to keep their crispness.
Just use either a couple fresh Oak or Vine leaves.
If not available a bay leaf or so will work. As will a fat pinch black tea.
It is the tannins that do the crispness…
Never had a soggy pickle yet.