Is there a vegetable more beloved by Russians than a cucumber? Is that a potato. Every owner of at least a small patch of land tries to grow cucumbers. Still, to pluck a young green from your garden and then crunch them - is that not a pleasure?
But up to this point you have to sweat thoroughly. First you need to decide which method is preferable in order to cultivate a cucumber: growing seedlings or in open ground? Creeping bed or trellis? All methods are good in their own way. We deliberately do not talk about the industrial scale of cultivating culture - we would have to decide on our garden. Moreover, all of the listed landing methods are acceptable for any sites, including the smallest. Watching how to plant.
Now many people prefer greenhouse cucumber - growing seedlings with further growing fruits is possible at any time of the year and at any external temperatures. About those places where the summer is very short, and it is not necessary to speak, there is greenhouse cultivation - an urgent need. What features does this method have?
I repeat, we are talking about simple greenhouses on their site, and not about large workshops with hydroponics now fashionable. This means that the soil is of prime importance. The earth should be well fertilized with organic matter, preferably since autumn. From 10 to 15 kilograms of rotted cow manure is applied per square meter . The main thing is that this process be completed at least three weeks before the cucumber is planted. Growing seedlings or seeds - it does not matter, the soil must be prepared in advance.
After the first shoots, you do not need to immediately begin to water them, otherwise they will stretch out on thin stems. Although the overdried soil should not be in any case and at any stage. Cucumbers are especially sensitive to a lack of moisture during the ripening period. From time to time, the roots need to be nourished, starting with the second-third phase of this leaf. 10 g of ammonium nitrate, potassium salt and superphosphate are dissolved in a bucket of settled water. Watering is moderate - after all, these are synthetic fertilizers, and we want to grow environmentally friendly cucumber.
Many gardeners prefer growing seedlings, even if the garden is cultivated outdoors. It can be bought in the market, choosing healthy plants without spots on the leaves, with thick stems. However, after landing in the ground, it is better to hedge a cucumber a little . Outdoor cultivation is painless if the seeds have been planted since spring. But seedlings can feel bad due to the difference in night temperatures and drafts. Therefore, for the first two or three days, it is better to stretch a twine or wire over the sprouts and throw a transparent film over the tent. You get such a miniature greenhouse.
After a few days, the film can be removed, preferably in the morning, and not under a cool night. It is usually enough days to get used to the daytime temperature. Further seedlings will grow.
Now about how to form cucumber lashes in the future. There is an opinion that after the third true leaf, the tops need to be pinched - then the active growth of the side shoots begins, which will be the most fruitful. It's true. But many pity the plant and let it stretch further - and also get good yields. This is everyone’s business. But about what is better - lying stems or a garter on trellises - there are heated debates. Of course, the position of the stems does not affect flowering and pollination. But in favor of the trellis we can definitely say: a) they take up little space; b) they are much more aesthetic; c) it is easier to collect fruits from them; d) when collecting cucumbers on a horizontal bed, you can step on the stems and leaves, which leads to premature wilting of the plant. The author of these lines checked everything personally. And you decide for yourself where and what place you will devote to your favorite culture - a cucumber. Growing seedlings or seeds is not so important, choose what you like best. The main thing is that this miracle, grown by your own hands, pleases the eye and stomach.