Previously, it was believed that cucumbers are distinguished by their unpretentiousness in agricultural technology, they grow almost by themselves. This is a delusion; it is unlikely that it will be possible to grow a good harvest of cucumbers in an unfavorable environmental background with weather surprises. But if you take into account the advice of experienced gardeners, then you can collect a rich harvest of greens throughout the summer, until the onset of cold weather.
Sowing seeds in open ground
It is quite possible to get a really big harvest in your garden if you follow the technology and carry out timely control. The main rules of agricultural technology include the following activities:
- high-quality planting material,
- selection of varieties and seeds, preparing them for sowing;
- soil preparation (fertilization and disinfection);
- the order of sowing seeds, seedlings;
- irrigation;
- loosening and weeding;
- input of dressings;
- disease prevention;
- collection of fruits.
Cucumbers love nutritious loose soil, so they begin to prepare the site in the fall, especially if planting is carried out in open ground. The entire site is dug up mixed with manure and humus. In the spring, the earth must be dug up again and enriched with organic matter. Sowing can be started only after 7-10 days. Before planting, disinfection is carried out by watering the beds with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
When preparing the soil, you need to determine its acidity. For this, litmus paper is used. With an increased indicator, the acidic environment should be neutralized by introducing dolomite flour or crushed lime into the soil.
Before sowing, the seeds are germinated to obtain quick shoots. Only germinated specimens are used. The grains are buried in the soil by 2-3 cm. When planting seedlings, plants are distributed in 3-4 seedlings per 1 m2.
Watering is carried out exclusively with warm water, cold water inhibits the development of the plant. Before the appearance of fruits, irrigation is carried out 1 time in 2-3 days, after the beginning of the formation of fruits, the intensity increases to daily procedures. It is important to avoid stagnation of water in the ground.
At the initial stage of plant formation, it is necessary to regularly carry out loosening, which is often combined with weeding. A lot of weeds next to cucumbers are dangerous for the plant, so you should not start the beds.
A week after planting seedlings or thinning seedlings, fertilizers are introduced. The working solution is prepared on the basis of the following components:
- a bucket of water;
- 10 g of ammonium nitrate;
- 10 g superphosphate;
- 10 g of potassium salt.
Consumption rate: 1 liter per 1 bush.
After 2 weeks, repeated complementary foods are introduced, increasing the amount of minerals by 2 times per 10 liters of water.
Favorable factors for high yields
To increase yields, attention should be paid to all factors affecting the development and growth of cucumbers.
General rules for planting according to the lunar calendar in May and June
Many gardeners plan seeding and planting seedlings based on the recommended dates of the lunar calendar. As modern scientists have found out, the moon really affects the intensity of the development of crops and can increase germination. The principle of transplanting is based on the fact that all aboveground plants are tedious to plant after the new moon, and root crops - after the full moon. According to popular beliefs, on the full moon and the next couple of days, you can neither plant nor sow anything. But on the new moon, it's time to sow aerial plants.
Choosing the best varieties for high yields
Productivity primarily depends on the variety of cucumbers, but when choosing, it is worth considering the climate in the region and the growing conditions of the selected hybrids. Breeders are making a lot of effort to fill the market with the so-called universal varieties, characterized by high yields and strong immunity. Among these:
- Masha;
- Zozulya;
- Courage;
- Pinocchio;
- Kibriya, etc.
Fertilizers, dressing and mulching
When growing cucumbers, organic and mineral fertilizers are used for dressing. According to the method of introduction, they are foliar and root. Everyone chooses the appropriate options for how to fertilize, but experts recommend alternating them with each other.
In total, 4 dressings are introduced:
- 2 weeks after planting;
- at the beginning of the formation of inflorescences;
- in the midst of fruiting;
- In 2 weeks.
In order to prevent the soil from drying out, the beds are mulched. Sawdust, peat or dried manure are used as mulch. Such a shelter inhibits the growth of weeds, which reduces the number of weeding to a minimum.
Do not mulch the soil with freshly cut grass, it can infect the vegetable crop with diseases.
Strengthening the root system
For long-term fruiting, it is important to have a strong bark system. The plant needs help to form adventitious roots. To do this, you need to carefully press the stem to the ground and sprinkle it with soil.
Getting rid of lean bushes
Carrying out a regular inspection of the beds, you need to remove damaged leaves, rolls and fruits from the bushes, they reduce the fertility of the plant. Also, lean lashes are considered superfluous on the plantation.The cause of poor development may be related to illness or other problems that are better localized. The soil where the plant grew must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate.
Correct pinching
Passynching is performed if a good whip is formed, but without fruit. For this, in the axils of the first five leaves, lateral shoots and ovaries in the axils of the first 3 leaves are removed. Make a cut carefully with a sharp tool so as not to damage the stem and other sprouts. It is correct to carry out the procedure when the length of the stepsons reaches 3-6 cm.
The lash garter should be done so that the greens and stems do not rot from an excess of moisture. In addition, cucumbers are very fond of the light, which is provided by fully vertical beds. It is simple to build a trellis: drive supports into the ground at the edges of the row, tie ropes on them and lower a cord along them, which will remain around the stem (not tight!) Several times.
Additional actions to increase yields
In addition to the generally accepted rules of agricultural technology, many gardeners use their secrets to increase yields. Among the effective, and most importantly proven, the following tips stand out.
- Before planting seedlings, you must definitely examine the soil. With a high groundwater level, it is necessary to switch to growing crops in a greenhouse with an equipped drainage system. Alternatively, use a hydrogel that will pull on excess soil moisture.
- The plant is thermophilic. Many do not even suspect that it is impossible to water with running water from the mains or wells, as this shortens the fruiting period. The liquid used should be settled within 23-24 degrees.
- Fruit collection should be done regularly, it does not matter if it is daily or once every 2 days. Irregularity contributes to reduced yields. During collection, you need to carefully handle the lash, injury to the stem or branches also negatively affects fruiting.
- Cucumbers need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. When grown in a greenhouse, its deficiency often arises, so there is a need for artificial replenishment. It is easy to do this: cover the soil with manure (3-5 cm layer), light a gas burner for a while, or spread pieces of dry ice along the beds.
- Feeding from milk will accelerate the growth of the plant, and strengthen the immune system. Every two weeks, milk diluted with water in a 1: 2 ratio is injected at the root.
- Yields are influenced by neighboring crops. Some create protection for cucumbers from pests and diseases, others reduce fruiting. It is recommended to plant legumes (beans, asparagus, peas), peppers, eggplants, etc.
Lunar calendar for planting cucumbers for 2018
According to the lunar calendar in 2018, the landing work is determined by the following numbers:
- aboveground crops - February (16-28), March (17-29), April (16-28);
- root crops - February (1-15), March (3-16), April (1-15).
Taking into account the zodiacal constellation, favorable for the growth of cucumbers, it is recommended to plant: in March from 19 to 24 and 27.28; in April from 5 to 9 and from 20 to 24.
The date according to the lunar calendar is chosen taking into account the climatic characteristics of the region and the type of culture. Therefore, the most favorable time for disembarkation may be the beginning of May.
In some regions, only June is suitable for disembarkation. The tips and tricks described are feasible and affordable, so the success of the new crop is in the hands of the gardener. In a productive year, do not miss the opportunity to remove a record number of fruits from a small garden or plantation.