The simplest and at the same time an extremely effective supporting agent for cucumbers is a solution of baking soda. It is prepared by dissolving one flat teaspoon of soda (about 10 grams) in a liter of protruding lukewarm water. The solution should be used by watering at the base of plants every ten days, starting from the moment of planting the seedling to the early fruiting phase. The condition for effectiveness is the right soil temperature – it should be a minimum of 15 ° C, because at lower temperatures the metabolic processes in the roots take too slowly for the plant use the fertilizer effectively.
The operation of this conditioner is based on a few simple mechanisms biological and chemical. First of all, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) increases the alkalinity of the soil in the immediate vicinity of the roots. A slightly alkaline environment limits the development of many mushroom pathogens, including powdery mildew, which is one of the most common cucumber diseases. The alkaline soil reaction is also conducive to better collection, which is crucial to maintain the stiffness of cell walls and health of plant tissues. This effect translates directly into the appearance of plants: the leaves are darker, more tense, and cucumbers grow to larger sizes, keeping firmness and a healthy appearance.
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Regular use of a soda solution improves the overall condition of plantsincreases their resistance to infections and reduces the risk of rotting and fruit deformation. Thanks to better absorption of nutrients, cucumbers grow faster, bloom more intensively and spend more even crops. Soda watering also affects the microbiological balance of soil, strengthening the natural defense mechanisms of plants. For gardeners, this means less problems with diseases and higher, healthier collections without having to reach for Synthetic protection measures.
Obtaining abundant harvesting requires regular nitrogen supply shortly after planting. One of the most recommended solutions is so -called compost tea – it is prepared, pouring one liter of ripe compost with ten liters of water and aerated the solution for 24 hours. Before watering, the concentrate is diluted in a 1: 3 ratio, which ensures the optimal concentration of nutrients. The use of this natural fertilizer every two weeks provides plants easily absorbable elements, while improving the soil structure and increasing it The ability to stop moisture.
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In the fruiting period, it is also important providing potassium plants. A great source of this element is home -made skin fertilizer, which is prepared, cutting four fresh skins into centimeter stripes and pouring them with two liters of warm water. After 48 hours of maceration, the fluid dilutes to a volume of ten liters and applies under plants once a month from the beginning of flowering. Regular use of this conditioner affects better movement of sugars from leaves to fruit, which results in a higher yield: cucumbers are more firm, less susceptible to bitterness and better tolerate storage.
In addition to proper fertilization, it is key systematic monitoring of plant condition and proper care. Experienced gardeners recommend weekly inspections of flower beds, during which sick, damaged or dead leaves are removed to limit the sources of infection and improve the condition of the entire plantation. It is also worth cultivating on supports – it is best to use polypropylene nets spaced every 30 centimeters, which facilitate air circulation between plants and reduce the risk of moisture. Good aeration limits the condensation of water vapor on the leaves, which effectively inhibits the development of fungal diseases. Regular soil moisture control is equally important with a hygrometer: it should be maintained at 18-22%, and in the case of exceeding 25%, reduce the watering time by one third, to prevent rotting of the root system.
