Growing cucumbers is one of the most common and favorite activities among gardeners. However, not everyone knows how to grow these tasty and juicy vegetables to get a large harvest.
Our experienced gardeners shared 10 secrets of successful cucumber growing that will help you get a rich harvest every year.
Selecting the variety and the right seed material
To get a rich cucumber harvest, choose quality cucumber varieties and prepare the seed material correctly. Cucumbers love light, loose soil rich in nutrients.
Before planting, the seeds should be dried and treated with a special solution to increase growth and accelerate germination.
The right place for landing
Cucumbers are heat-loving plants, so choose a planting site that is on the south or southeast side of your site, where there will be sufficient sunlight.
Soil preparation
Cucumbers like loose soil, so before planting it is necessary to weed it well and add organic fertilizers, such as humus or compost. Also, do not forget about watering, because cucumbers need moist soil.
Regular watering
Cucumbers need regular watering, especially during flowering and fruiting. It is important not to let the soil dry out, but also not to over-water the soil.
Correct circumcision
Proper pruning will help increase the yield of cucumbers. Remove all shoots that appear on the stem, as well as leaves that are close to the buds.
Soil care
Soil care includes not only watering, but also loosening, weeding, and mulching. Loosen the soil so that it is loose and breathable. Weeding is necessary so that they do not take away nutrients from cucumbers. Mulching will help retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots from overheating.
Protection from pests and diseases
Cucumbers often suffer from diseases and pests, so it is necessary to take measures to protect them. Harvest the crop in a timely manner so as not to attract pests. You can also use biological protection agents, such as carnivorous insects, to combat pests. Regularly inspect the plants and apply the necessary preparations if diseases are detected.
Proper harvesting
Harvest cucumbers regularly to prevent them from becoming overripe and losing their flavor. Cucumbers should be cut with a knife, not torn by hand, to avoid damaging the plant.
Proper storage of the harvest
After picking cucumbers, store them in a cool place at a temperature of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius to preserve freshness and taste. Do not store cucumbers near apples, bananas, and tomatoes, which emit ethylene, which can speed up the process of overripening cucumbers.
Extension of the fruiting period
To extend the fruiting period of cucumbers, cut the stems after each harvest, leaving 2-3 ovaries on them. You can also use fertilizers that contain boron, as it is an important element for increasing the duration of fruiting.
Growing cucumbers can be a fun and rewarding experience if you follow the advice of experienced gardeners. The best place to plant, proper pruning, regular watering and protection from diseases and pests, as well as proper care of the soil and fertilizers - all these factors are important for successful cucumber growing. Do not forget to monitor the temperature and humidity, as well as the frequency of watering and pruning. Remember that cucumbers need careful care, and if you follow these tips, you will have a healthy and generous cucumber harvest.
