The main problem in growing cucumbers is their susceptibility to various diseases.
Sometimes it happens that the summer resident does not even have time to try the harvest, and the cucumber plant already begins to dry out.
The difficulty is that cucumbers cannot be treated with chemicals, since the harvest must be collected frequently, and toxic substances are removed by the plant only after a certain period of time, after which the fruits are already safe.
And I don't want to use chemicals in my home garden any more. In this case, the only salvation is in preventive methods.
Method one: choosing a variety
Choose varieties that are resistant to diseases. And not only read the description of the variety, but also check in practice which variety grows best in your garden.
Often it is not even a matter of sustainability, but of conditions. Each owner must, by trial and error, select varieties that grow best on his site.
Method two: mulching
Mulching works in two ways. It creates a barrier between the soil and the plant, preventing pathogens in the soil from reaching the leaves.
The second direction is increasing soil fertility and improving plant development.
Mulch is processed by microorganisms, turning into food for the cucumber, thanks to which it grows stronger. And a strong plant is less vulnerable to diseases.
Method three: shelter
Severe leaf damage occurs in the second half of summer, when nights become colder and dew falls heavily. This is the most favorable time for the development of fungal diseases.
Therefore, experienced gardeners cover the cucumber bed with film at night so that temperature changes and cold night dew do not contribute to infection.
Method four: trellises
When the vines are spreading along the ground, they are more susceptible to diseases. Pathogens are in the soil, so they quickly get on the leaves.
The vines are poorly ventilated, and stagnant air promotes the development of diseases. Also, more dew accumulates on creeping vines, it dries longer, and a humid environment is a paradise for pathogens.
That's why many summer residents have long since switched to growing cucumbers on trellises. This is not only an excellent preventative measure, but also an opportunity to pick a clean cucumber at any time, which is free of sand and dirt.
Also pay attention to biological preparations, which can be found in gardening stores. They are not as effective if the disease has already taken over the plant, but are ideal as a preventative measure. Unlike chemical ones, they are safe not only for humans, but also for pollinating insects.
