Cucumbers are one of the most popular and maintenance vegetables in our gardens. Although it seems like it is enough to put the seeds into the ground and wait for the harvest to enjoy a lot of crunchy and aromatic cucumbers, you need to know some important secrets of growing.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss all stages of cucumber cultivation, from the right time choice to the last picked fruit.
Cucumber planting outdoors: a decisive start: Proper planting time
Cucumbers are true heat lovers. Even the slightest spring frosts can destroy delicate seedlings, so hurrying with sowing or seedling planting is strictly not recommended.
In Lithuania, the optimal time for cucumbers to travel to the open ground begins only when all frost disappears and the ground warms up to a comfortable temperature.
- Soil thermometer – the best advisor: The ideal soil temperature rate at a depth of 10 cm should be at least +12 to +15 ° C. Night air temperature should also not drop below +10 ° C.
- Calendar and Nature Signs: Most often these conditions occur in late May or early June. ориентировочно after May 20. Old gardeners advise you to focus on nature signs: when the oils end and chestnut flowers begin to spread, you can safely prepare for cucumber planting.
- Early harvest – through sprouts: If you want an earlier harvest, you can grow cucumbers through sprouts. Seeds should be sown about 3-4 weeks before the planned planting in the soil should be sown. Seedlings should have 3-4 true leaves and be well hardened.
Sunny attic and generous land: appropriate conditions for growth
Cucumbers feel best in a sunny, protected area from strong winds. They need fluffy, humid, fertile and well -drained soil.
- Importance of Light: The sun is the main source of energy for cucumbers. The more the sun, the more abundant they will bloom and match.
- Soil Preparation – the basis of the harvest: In the autumn or spring, before planting the soil should be carefully dug. Improve heavy clayey soil by inserting sand and compost. Enrich the sandy soil with compost or rotted manure to better retain moisture and nutrients.
- Fertilization – Additional Help: Insert compost or rotten manure (about 5 kg/sq. M) before planting. You can also use complex mineral fertilizers for vegetables.
- Acidity control: Cucumbers like neutral or slightly acidic soil (pH 6-7). If your soil is too sour, lime should be inserted in the fall.
- Crops – the guarantor of healthy plants: Cucumbers are not recommended for planting in the same place for several consecutive years or after other pumpkin family plants (pumpkin, zucchini, patrons) because they have common diseases and pests. The best cucumbers are legumes, bulbous vegetables, cabbage vegetables.
Seed or sprout – choice and the right way
Cucumbers can be grown outdoors both by drilling directly into the soil and planting pre -grown seedlings.
- Direct sowing: Sow the seeds into the prepared soil at a depth of 2-3 cm. Leave a distance of about 10-15 cm between the seeds and 60-70 cm between the rows. When sown, leave the soil gently.
- Planting with sprouts: Plant the sprouts in prepared holes, which should be slightly larger than the sprout pot. When planting, try not to damage the root system. Plant the sprouts at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other, and leave about 90 cm between rows. After planting, leave the plants abundantly with warm water.
Cucumber planting outdoors: the first steps and the benefits of mulching
When planted by cucumbers, it is important to ensure the right conditions for their adoption and further growth.
- Mulch – the best helper: Mulch around the cucumbers planted with straw, sawdust, grass or special agrofilm. Mulch will help retain moisture in the soil, stop weed growth, protection roots from overheating and maintain more stable soil temperature.
Constant care – the key to abundant harvest
As cucumbers grow, they need constant maintenance.
- Watering is the source of life: Cucumbers are very sensitive to moisture deficiency, especially during flowering and fruit formation. Water regularly, abundantly, under the roots, avoiding water on the leaves. The best time for watering is early morning or evening. Use warm, well -established water.
- Fertilization is a source of energy: Cucumbers should be fertilized several times during vegetation. For the first time, 2-3 weeks after planting or after the first true leaves appeared if you sowed directly into the soil. Later, fertilize every 2-3 weeks with organic (eg nettle yeast, diluted by bird manure) or complex mineral fertilizers for cucumbers.
- Supports – comfort and health: Most cucumber varieties are climbing, so they need supports – stakes, nets, wire. Attaching the stems to the supports, the air circulation improves, the plants are better illuminated, the risk of disease and pests is reduced, and harvesting becomes much more convenient.
- Weed control and loosening: Regularly weed weeds that compete with cucumbers for nutrients and moisture. After each watering or rain, gently shake the rows to allow the soil to permeate the air.
- Removal of rings and mustache (for some breeds): It is recommended that some varieties of cucumbers be removed by the first rings and lateral shoots to a certain height so that the plant is better rooted and a stronger stem.
- Harvesting – Remuneration for the hard time: Collect cucumbers regularly, every 1-2 days when they reach the right size. Overgrown cucumbers become bitter and stop the formation of new fruits. Collect carefully, trying not to damage the stems and leaves.
Cucumber Planting Outdoor: Diseases and pests – alertness and prevention
Cucumbers, like other vegetables, can be damaged by diseases and pests. It is important to notice the first signs on time and take appropriate measures.
Keep crop rotation, ensure good air circulation, avoid excessive moisture and regular inspection of plants. If necessary, use biological or chemical protective equipment based on the instructions.
Cucumber growing outdoors requires a little effort and attention, but following the advice of this comprehensive manager, you can enjoy a rich, fresh and crunchy cucumber harvest all summer long. Let your cucumber beds be lush and generous!
Photos associative © canva
Source: https://www.bc.ua/
Hi, I’m a Kamil, Hitas.lt author. The passion for cooking, home coziness and personal well -being inspires me to share discoveries – recipes and tips on love for myself – with you, dear readers.
