Well, which gardener doesn’t dream of getting fresh, crispy cucumbers grown with their own hands at the beginning of summer?
There is nothing fantastic here. And experienced summer residents will confirm.
They were the ones who shared useful recommendations that would help you achieve the desired result.
Variety
First of all, if you are aiming for an early harvest, you should choose the right variety.
Experienced growers recommend ultra-early varieties or hybrids that begin to bear fruit 40-45 days after emergence.
In this regard, parthenocarpic hybrids (they do not require pollination) stand out separately, which is of particular importance for growing in greenhouses or under shelters.
Seedling
As for the growing method, seedlings are the most optimal for early cucumbers.
At the end of April or the beginning of May, seeds are sown for seedlings.
It is best to use individual cups (200 to 250 ml), which should be filled with loose fertile soil.
The seeds need to be planted about a centimeter and a half deep, then the containers should be placed in a light and warm place.
If the constant temperature is within 25-28 degrees Celsius, the seedlings will appear in 5-7 days.
Open ground
It is necessary to select and prepare a place for planting seedlings in advance.
It is worth remembering that cucumbers prefer light, fertile soils with a neutral reaction.
The bed should be located in a sunny place, protected from the wind.
In autumn or early spring, organic fertilizers (humus or compost) are added – approximately 5-6 kilos per square meter.
Seedlings are planted in open ground only after the frosts have completely passed and the soil has warmed up to +15 degrees.
This period is usually the end of May or the beginning of June.
Plants should be placed at a distance of 50-60 centimeters from each other.
Care
After planting, regularly water the cucumbers with warm water and mulch the soil around them.
We feed once every 10-14 days with complex mineral fertilizers or mullein infusion.
To obtain the maximum possible harvest, you can shape the plants by removing excess shoots and pinching the tops.
To increase yield, it is recommended to shape the plants by removing excess shoots and pinching the tops.
