Cucumbers are a popular vegetable in our country, so every gardener, regardless of the size of the plot, likes to grow cucumbers in his garden. But even with the same climatic characteristics, the yield is different for everyone. The whole secret lies in the care when growing cucumbers, it is necessary to plant according to the rules.
If you follow the correct agricultural techniques, plant according to the advice regarding predecessor crops and take care of it properly, then getting a good harvest even from seeds will not be difficult for a beginner.
Basic requirements for growing cucumbers in the open field
In general, caring for a culture cannot be called difficult, but given the climate of regional characteristics, there are many nuances that you need to know.
The main requirements for growing cucumbers include:
- to plant are selected only healthy seeds, trained;
- the soil to sow must be loose and slightly acidic;
- planting of seeds and seedlings is carried out at a strictly allotted time in compliance with the temperature regime;
- during the growing season 3-4 weeding and loosening soil;
- the beds are regularly watered with warm water (10-14 liters per 1 m2);
- fertilizers and fertilizing are introduced according to the schedule, the rates of nutrient consumption cannot be changed;
- the beds should be located on the sunny side, but not in a draft;
- when planting seedlings, avoid thickening;
- timely control the condition of plants and the degree of soil moisture;
- in case of identified problems, instantly process the culture.
Growing methods
There are quite a few options for growing greenery. Among the most well-known methods: outdoors, in a greenhouse, on a balcony, in a barrel, etc.
When cultivating a vegetable in open beds, the method of seeding and planting seedlings is used.
How to plant seeds in the garden
It is necessary to sow seeds at certain temperature indicators, otherwise seedlings may not appear. An important point is soil and seed preparation... The quality of the work performed depends not only on how they can germinate, but also on the intensity of seedling development.
After the formation of 3-4 leaves, the frequent bed is thinned out, leaving the strongest seedlings. At the stage of germination and growth of shoots, it is important to ensure sufficient moisture, good light and fertilization with any nutrientshelping the plant to grow.
Seedlings
The seedling method is used to obtain early harvest and in order to protect young shoots from spring frosts. Grown seedlings in a greenhouse or at home are transferred to the garden bed already strengthened. Their root system, although weak, takes root quickly in a new environment.
It is important not to damage the sensitive root when transferring seedlings to the hole.
Before planting sprouts in open ground must be adapted on the street, a sharp change in habitat and temperature can ruin them.
The lashes can be placed in the spreading and on the trellis. Depending on the method chosen, the spacing between bushes and rows must be observed. In the absence of a garter, there should be enough room for the stems to spread over the garden.
Where is it better to plant cucumbers to get a good harvest
The culture is native to India, so a hot, humid climate is ideal for it. The very structure of the whip indicates the need for garters on trellises.
The garden bed arranged in this way is protected from fungal infections with an abundance of rains and from the scorching rays of the sun. The fruits find shade under the massive leaves of the plant. However, it is worth remembering that the scorching sun is also dangerous for cucumbers, burns may appear on the greenery.
Given the climatic features, it is necessary to provide partial shading of bushes or partial shade. This is easy to do by planting corn, sunflower or undersized grapes in the aisle area. The diffused light will be more beneficial to the plant.
With all the love for moisture, you should not choose a site in the lowlands for sowing cucumbers. With heavy rainfall and a high level of groundwater, plants are threatened with fungal diseases due to waterlogging. Much better is a place on a hill where it is much easier to control the degree of soil moisture.
Preparing the land for planting
It is better to prepare a place for a cucumber garden in advance in order to exclude unpleasant surprises.
At the end of the season from the site all plant residues and debris are removed... For larvae of pests and other microorganisms, they are of great interest. In such an environment, the parasites hibernate and by the spring they are already replenishing the colonies with a new generation.
To eliminate this possibility, it is recommended in addition to cleaning be sure to dig the ground (immersion depth at least 25 cm). It is better to do this just before the frost, to prevent the parasites from finding new shelter. Also, autumn work includes the introduction of fertilizers to increase soil fertility. This process can be combined with digging.
In the spring area dug up again and necessarily disinfected... To do this, use a weak solution of potassium permanganate or boiling water.
Cucumbers respond very well to this type of fertilizer such as manure... It can be introduced both in autumn and spring 2-3 weeks before disembarkation (8-10 kg per 1 m2). To stimulate the growth of young shoots, nitrogen and potassium-phosphorus substances (25 g of potassium salt, 40 g of superphosphate) are introduced into the soil.
In the process of preparing the soil for the new season, in order to prevent it, it is necessary to treat the future bed with wood ash or special preparations that protect the bushes from pests (Fitoverm, Aktellik).
How to plant in soil
Growing greenery with seeds requires compliance with the following rules:
- the sowing time is selected taking into account the favorable temperature conditions (late May - early June);
- seeds must be processed before planting;
- the soil should be disinfected and fertilized;
- the beds are best positioned from east to west;
- landing pattern - 20x100 or 60x80 (depending on the cultivation method);
- the depth of immersion of seeds is 2-3 cm.
Seedling growing rules:
- the seed must be prepared (sorting, soaking, disinfection);
- soil is also needed disinfect and enrich with nutrients;
- it is ideal for cultivating seedlings to use a substrate of sod land, mullein and humus (2: 1: 7);
- to fertilize the soil, substances are introduced (30 g of ammonium nitrate or urea, 20 g of superphosphate, 6 g of potassium salt, 30 g of lime per bucket of soil);
- temperature regime after sowing - 12-15 degrees; after the seedlings had time to ascend, at first for several days, 20-25 degrees are observed, then the temperature is reduced - in the daytime to 20-22 degrees, at night to 15 degrees;
- 10 days after the emergence of seedlings, the seedlings are fed with slurry (1: 1) with the addition of 20 g of superphosphate per bucket of mixture;
- a week before the transfer of shoots to open ground, spend daily outdoor hardening;
- for prophylaxis, seedlings are treated with epin or immunocytophyte.
Correct seedling care
The rules for caring for a cucumber bed are very clear. Among the main conditions - creating a humid environment... This is regulated by watering.
Ideal for seedling care sprinkling or drip irrigation... Using a hose can damage loose roots with a strong jet. A small area can be spilled with a spray bottle. The water norm per 1 m2 is 10-14 liters.
Regularity of procedures - 1 time in 7 days with average air humidity, 1 time in 5 days at temperatures over 28 degrees.
To water the beds, only warm, settled water is used. The use of cold liquid negatively affects the development of the plant.
The intensity of development and the formation of a large lash requires a lot of nutrition, so it is impossible to ignore the feeding regime. After the first shoots appear on the soil surface, first feeding: 10 g of potassium salt, 10 g of ammonium nitrate, 30 g of superphosphate are taken for 10 liters of water.
The second feeding the garden bed is enriched after 2 weeks, doubling the amount of dissolved fertilizers. When applying fertilizers, contact between the working solution and the green part of the crop should be avoided.
To protect cucumbers from decay and pests, it is recommended to periodically carry out weeding... This procedure is usually combined with loosening, which provides free access of oxygen to the soil and prevents the formation of stagnant moisture in the soil. The first weeding is done after the formation of 4-5 leaves on the shoots.
Spring weather is often unpredictable, so after sowing the garden covered with foil or agrofiber.
The film must be removed during the day, and the shelter must be restored again at night. So late frosts will not cause the death of seedlings.
Based on the information provided, we can conclude that it is not difficult to create favorable conditions for growing cucumbers. Timely prevention will prevent damage to the plant by pests and various diseases. And thanks to complementary foods and irrigation, the cucumbers will be endowed with high taste.