Growing and picking cucumbers is an occupation that requires certain knowledge and skills, which has its own nuances. There are two ways to plant this vegetable: reckless - germinated seeds are planted immediately to a permanent place; seedling - the seeds are first grown in separate containers.
The first method is preferable, it is less traumatic for delicate seedlings, but in climatic regions where frosts are possible in late May - early June, the second option is the only way to get a crop early.
What is picking cucumbers
Seedling seeds are usually sown in small containers. As the root system grows, the seedling becomes scarce and needs a transplant.
Picking is the process of transplanting a young plant from a small container to a large one.
Gardeners and gardeners have not yet come to a consensus on whether transplanting is useful or harmful. Some argue that this procedure severely injures the roots and inhibits the growth of the shoot. Others - what a kind of shake-up for Zelentsy. It stimulates the appearance of additional roots and makes the sprouts stronger, stronger, harder.
Despite the ambiguous opinion, a transplant is sometimes simply necessary.
Why dive cucumbers
Cucumbers are quite delicate plants and any interference with the natural growth process can affect development. therefore it is recommended to plant them directly in the ground or in dishes, from which you will not need a transplant.
Except in the following cases:
- Unsuitable container size. If the vessel in which the seedlings grow is not suitable in size, the shoots may feel bad, hurt, and stunted. In too large a container, the roots can rot, as it can be difficult to calculate the water for irrigation. There will not be enough space in a small plant and it will stop developing correctly, it may stretch, turn yellow. This also includes the case when many seeds are planted in one box. Over time, it becomes cramped for them and it is necessary to seat them. The strongest shoots should be chosen.
- Lack of sunlight. It happens that the time comes to plant seedlings in the ground, but in cold and rainy weather this cannot be done. She begins to stretch out strongly. In this case, it makes sense to make a dive, while deepening the lower part of the shoot. The procedure will slow down growth a little, and additional roots will grow on the stem that is underground, which will provide better nutrition in the future.
- Incorrect calculation of the timing of planting seedlings in the ground. Or bad weather. Seedlings can be planted in the ground 30 days after germination. The soil temperature should be at least 16 degrees. Otherwise, young shoots will take root for a long time. as a result, the plants will be stunted and the harvest will appear much later than expected. If the seeds are planted much earlier than intended, you can slow down the growth of shoots by picking.
- Infectious or fungal diseases. When they appear, you need to immediately transplant the zelents, completely replacing the land. Otherwise, there is a complete loss of the entire crop.
In any of these cases, the procedure is necessary. But if there is a possibility, you should not once again expose young shoots to stress.
Advantages and disadvantages
Diving cucumbers has both advantages and disadvantages, therefore, before planting seeds, it is worth considering all the nuances of growing seedlings.
Benefit:
- The method makes it possible to choose the strongest and most viable sprouts... In the future, they will give a good harvest.
- Save space... A large number of seeds are planted in one box and then the best seedlings are selected. The weak are discarded.
- After transplanting a young plant, all the nutrients are received only by him. In combination with a container of suitable size and quality soil, this effectively stimulates growth and development.
- The pick promotes the growth of a powerful root system, which allows the greens to take maximum nutrients from the ground.
A pick can be harmful in two cases:
- Transplanting initially weak seedlings, which will lead to the death of most of the seedlings.
- Violation of technology.
The weak root system of cucumbers is their main feature. The picking does not always give the desired result and the shoots are far behind in growth or die.
That is why gardeners try to do without this procedure and plant the crop immediately in a permanent place in the ground or grow seedlings in a container, the volume of which is enough for the normal development of young shoots without transplanting.
Suitable for this purpose very well peat cups... Plants do not need to be taken out of them, but immediately planted in the ground. Under the influence of moisture, they will disintegrate and serve as an additional fertilizer.
When to sit down
In order for the sprouts to receive the least damage during the dive, it is important to know when it can be done. Transplanting is carried out during the opening of the cotyledon leaves or during the appearance of 1-2 true leaves.
The fact is that the root system of a young plant is not yet developed enough to get severe damage. Therefore, the seedlings will take root better. In this case, the seedlings are strong and strong, which will ensure a good harvest in the future.
How to dive properly at home
For the process to be successful, you must follow the rules. Before diving, seedlings must be prepared, and after transplanting, properly care for them.
Training
First of all, you should prepare containers into which the seedlings will be transplanted, and the soil.
You can buy the soil in a specialized store or cook it yourself:
- turf land
- peat
- sawdust
- humus
Everything carefully mix... Fill the cups with soil, sprinkle with water and leave for a day so that the earth settles. Then you can start diving.
Features:
- Using a plastic spatula or spoon, carefully remove the greens from the ground together with a small clod of earth... This is necessary in order to less traumatize weak roots. You can carefully hold the seedlings by the leaves. Do not pull up too hard, there is a risk of damage.
- Make a depression in the ground and carefully lower the sprout into it.
- Little water the transplanted seedling, trying to let a stream of water along the stem. This will allow the roots to expand.
- Cover with earth, slightly deepening the shoot. It is easy to press it with your fingers at the base. This is necessary so that the roots have a more dense contact with the soil, which will allow the seedlings to adapt and grow faster.
Rules that are often forgotten
- Prepare seedlings for the upcoming procedure. The soil in the box is moisturize abundantly... Removing shoots from dry, dense soil is difficult and there is a risk of damage to them.
- Do not bend the roots of the seedling if they are too long. Instead, pinch the excess with your fingers. This will provoke the growth of new lateral roots.
- Weak, damaged or diseased seedlings should not be subjected to this procedure, they may not take root and die. If the crop is valuable and there are few seeds, it is worth resorting to a growing method that does not require replanting the plants.
- Correct care for seedlings after the procedure. They are weak at this time and need special care. Especially in the first 2-3 days.
How to properly care for young shoots
- The temperature in the room where the seedlings are located should be within 18-20 degrees... And the humidity is above average. Such conditions will help the shoots to take root and grow stronger.
- Drafts should not be allowed, since the sprouts do not like excessive wind and cold.
- A common problem is the lack of light for young plants in the spring. The shoots begin to turn yellow and stretch. To avoid this, it is necessary to additionally highlight the greens by setting the lamp at a distance of 5-10 cm from the shoots. Daylight hours for cucumber seedlings should be at least 7-10 hours. Ordinary incandescent lamps are not suitable for illuminating seedlings at home. They have a small radiation spectrum, due to which their light will not be enough. They also emit too much heat, the plants will simply cook.
For these purposes, fluorescent, LED, phytolamps are well suited. They do not get hot during work, which allows them to be brought close to the plants.
- It is important to monitor soil moisture. It should not be allowed to swamp or dry out, the soil should be moderately moist. The optimal number of waterings - 1-2 per week... You can only use water at room temperature.
- After a few days, the seedlings can be fed specialized complex fertilizer... You can make the formula yourself.
Specialized complex fertilizer - for 10 liters of water:
- ammonium nitrate - 7 g
- superphosphate - 1 g
- potassium sulfate - 8 g
Top dressing can be applied simultaneously with watering according to the following scheme:
- 5-7 days after transplant
- In 2 weeks
- 1-2 days before disembarking to a permanent place
Growing cucumbers is a laborious process. They can hardly be called unpretentious. But if you approach this activity responsibly, you can get an excellent harvest.