Rules for planting cucumber seeds in open ground

Cucumbers are one of the most popular types of vegetable crops, which can be planted on almost any summer cottage. Growing this vegetable takes quite a lot of time and effort, but with the right approach you can get a tasty and high-quality crop. That is why almost every summer resident, who has his own plot, always plant cucumbers on it.

In the process of growing cucumbers, close attention should be paid to the process of selecting planting material, which depends not only on the quality and taste of the fruit, but also on the ability of the seeds to resist various bacteria and survive in certain climatic conditions. Varieties of cucumbers are bee-pollinated, self-pollinated and parthenocarpic.

One of the most popular varieties today are bee-pollinated, which can be grown not only in an open area, but also in polycarbonate greenhouses. If you want to attract as many bees to the cucumber crops, then it is recommended to plant flowers nearby and process your crop with a sugar solution.

The main problem of modern suburban areas is that it is quite difficult to attract bees. And there are several reasons for this. The first place is taken by the problem of the need to process the crop with the help of specialized chemicals. Bees react strongly enough to such reagents, and therefore try to avoid such areas. Of course, without the processing of cucumbers and other vegetable crops, various diseases and pests will surely attack them, so there is not much choice.

Here self-pollinated and parthenocarpic varieties come to the aid of summer residents. The main advantage of such plants is that pollination is carried out here without bees. These varieties are great not only for planting in open ground, but also for use in greenhouse conditions.

Advanced technologies do not stand still and do not bypass even the field of cucumbers. Scientists have long brought a huge number of varieties that are resistant to diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot. In addition, modern varieties can boast a unique taste: they are sweet enough and do not have a bit of bitterness.

If you want to get a crop throughout the summer, then you need to give preference to species that ripen at different times.

Before starting the cultivation of cucumbers, it is necessary to decide when it is possible to plant seeds. The dates of sowing of this vegetable crop depend primarily on the climatic characteristics of the region.

If the summer resident lives in the southern hemisphere, which is characterized by a large number of warm days and plenty of sunshine, then planting should begin at the end of winter or early spring, so that the cucumbers will be planted in open areas around mid-May.

When determining the most optimal conditions, it is necessary to take into account night temperatures, because even a few hours of frost at night is sufficient for the crop to be completely destroyed.

Planting cucumbers with seeds at their summer cottage is possible only in conditions when the temperature outside does not fall below 10 degrees Celsius. Climate conditions are considered ideal if the temperature of the air at night is more than 15 degrees, and about 30 in the afternoon.

The success of planting cucumber seeds in open ground depends largely on the quality of the preparatory work. They determine the future ability of seeds to withstand climatic conditions, diseases and pests. With the right approach, it is possible to greatly facilitate the further process of caring for this vegetable crop.

First of all, it is necessary to pay close attention to the preparation of planting material, as well as tillage for planting cucumbers. And if you want to achieve high-quality results, then you need to properly germinate the seeds. If at this stage to shaltur and carry out the work is not at the proper level, the seeds will not be able to survive in the conditions of open ground and the harvest will be completely spoiled.

Choose the best varieties for planting. It should be noted that in this case it is necessary to be guided not only by your own wishes and preferences, but also to take into account the climatic features of the region, the type of soil and other indicators.

Today, hybrid variants that boast resistance to a huge number of diseases and pests are very popular. With a certain budget, it is best to give preference to just such varieties. Their main advantage is also that they do an excellent job with bad weather conditions.

Responsible selection of planting material will help avoid problems in the future. If you correctly approach this process, then there is no doubt that the harvest will be of high quality and tasty.

In the selection of planting material, it is also necessary to pay attention to the germination of seeds, and success in growing this vegetable crop also depends on this.

Consider a detailed germination scheme.

• Sorting. All selected planting material must be sorted according to certain criteria. Experts recommend choosing the largest seeds for planting, which will be able to survive in open ground conditions.
• Conduct disinfection. In no case can not be planted seeds before they are rid of any microorganisms and bacteria. It is necessary for 10-15 minutes to lower them in in advance prepared saline solution. If the seeds start to emerge, it means that they are spoiled and cannot be used for planting. But the remaining material will be an excellent solution for use in conditions of such cultivation in the garden. For disinfection, gardeners often use a solution of potassium permanganate, after which it is imperative to rinse the seeds with running water and dry on a paper towel.

• Warming up About 20 hours, the seeds must be carefully warmed to dry all the moisture and prepare them for planting.
• Germination. To do this, the seeds are rolled up in a special rag, dipped in a solution of nitrophobia, and then washed in running water.

If the selection of planting material occurred correctly, and you did not break any rules, then very soon the seeds will begin to swell.

Preparatory work also includes tillage, on which the integrity of the crop depends on planting. It is the soil that provides cucumbers with all the necessary nutrients that, in turn, guarantee the growth of culture.

First of all, to obtain a high-quality crop, you need to correctly select the site where it will be cultivated. It should be noted that the majority of summer residents neglect the preparation of the soil, and do not follow the rules of competent crop rotation.Cucumber seeds are extremely demanding on the condition of the soil, so it is best not to plant this vegetable crop in the same place for several years in a row. In addition, it is necessary to provide for the presence of sunlight and moisture in the landing zone.

Summer residents claim that loamy and sandy loams are considered the best soil types for planting this vegetable crop. This vegetable crop demonstrates the best performance in fertile areas that are distinguished by slightly increased acidity and the presence of special fertilizers. Cucumbers are highly demanding to the condition of the soil, so you can not plant seeds in the ground, which was previously used for planting vegetables.

At the same time, in no case should the cucumber seeds be planted after watermelons, squash, or pumpkins, as they use the same nutrients, and the earth will not be so rich with them to ensure the qualitative growth of the culture.

Careful attention in the process of planting cucumber seeds at their summer cottage should also be given to the use of fertilizers. As already stated, this vegetable crop is quite demanding on the availability of nutrients in the ground, so you should make sure that they will be enough. The main problem lies in the fact that the root system of cucumbers is located in the upper part of the soil; therefore, it quickly consumes nutrients and constantly needs their inflow.

Organic fertilizers for cucumbers are considered as one of the most effective. For example, you can always use fresh manure that is applied in the fall. In the future, it turns into humus, which has a positive effect on the structure of the soil and saturates it with necessary trace elements.

If you use heavy clay soil, it is rational to treat it with fresh manure two months before the time of sowing the seeds. In addition, this method is considered ideal even in the presence of too cold soil, as fresh manure allows you to warm it. The use of organic fertilizers also improves the efficiency of mineral options. The main advantage of manure is that it includes a huge number of useful trace elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and many others.

It should be remembered that the amount of organic fertilizer should be at a certain level. The majority of summer residents believe that the more fertilizers they applied, the better the seeds will germinate, however, this opinion is extremely erroneous.

The amount of manure depends on the quality of the soil, and cannot exceed 10 kg per square meter. If the soil is lightweight, then this amount will be much less.

As for the use of peat, it will be expedient only on wet soils, since peat has the property to improve the structure and physical characteristics of the soil.

Before planting cucumber seeds in open ground, it is also necessary to use mineral fertilizers made from ashes, which play the role of potash trace elements. Here it is easy to choose the optimal amount: you can use about 200 g per square meter of soil. If organic fertilizer can be added in autumn or winter, then mineral fertilizers are allowed to be used only during spring digging.

If you decide to use the integrated options that are sold in specialized stores, then you must clearly follow the instructions and dosage, which is indicated on the packaging.However, regardless of the type of mineral fertilizers, they are almost always used immediately before planting seeds in open ground.

Planting cucumber seeds in open ground consists of certain step-by-step rules. First of all, you need to choose the site that can boast the optimal amount of sunlight and will be protected from constant drafts. It is necessary to take into account the fact that the deadline for planting cucumber seeds in an open area is June.

It is not recommended to plant later, since you will not be able to get a harvest, in September the first night cooling will begin. If you have the opportunity to use films and various other shelters, then you can plant the first seeds in open ground in May.

Such a vegetable crop is very thermophilic, so it can only be grown when the soil is well heated. Favorable temperature is considered to be at least 16 degrees Celsius. In this case, it is imperative to provide shade if the air temperature is about 30 or more degrees.

The territory for planting cucumber seeds must be carefully prepared since autumn. It is necessary not only to fertilize with the help of special substances, but also completely dig up. This will saturate the soil with essential trace elements, as well as in the future to protect the crop from pests and microorganisms.

A distinctive feature of the root system of culture is that it does not go deep, therefore it is forbidden to loosen the earth around the plant. Most experts recommend mulching, which is suitable peat or sawdust. It is thanks to the mulch that it is possible to retain moisture in the soil and protect it from the appearance of weeds.

Features planting seeds depend on the material used. Each person independently decides how to conduct the landing. It is believed that the highest quality crop can be obtained in case of planting seeds at the dacha.

Most experienced gardeners try to plant seeds several times with different time intervals. For example, the first time you can plant seeds in the tenths of May, and then in early June. It is not worth planting later, since in July the weather is characterized by too high temperatures and it will be extremely difficult for young seedlings to grow in such conditions.

It is best to plant hybrid seeds, which are derived on the basis of several varieties. Scientists have long understood that each variety has its advantages, and combining the merits of several varieties in one product will be extremely beneficial. It is fairly easy to care for such plants, and they are also less prone to various diseases and pests. In addition, these vegetables can easily cope with bad weather conditions, which helps to protect their crops in case of bad weather.

Most gardeners, especially beginners, do not know how to do it right. In no case can not be planted with a sharp end down, because it is there that the root grows. If the sharp end is pointing up, the sprout will make its way out and push the leaves out. Improper planting of seeds can lead to the fact that the plant will simply die. In addition, experts do not advise planting a seed with a blunt end down; it is best to install it vertically.

If they plant cucumber seeds, they can be pre-germinated. The peculiarity of the germinated seeds of cucumbers is that they make it possible to ensure the strength of the seedlings, which will be more easily developed. It is important to strictly follow all the recommendations and rules, because the ability of the crop to survive in open conditions depends on it. Sprouts will be pecked only when the air temperature is at least 22 degrees, otherwise the process may be delayed.

Planting the seeds of a given crop is necessary only if the sprout is at least half a centimeter in length. When working with seeds, you must be extremely careful and cautious, because any mechanical damage can lead to the death of the plant in the future. In one well you can put no more than three seeds in the form of a triangle. If you arrange a larger number of seeds, in the process of germination they will interfere with each other and the harvest will turn out to be of poor quality.

The scheme of planting cucumbers in the open ground with the help of seeds has its own unique features. In early May, the seeds should be planted in a pot and placed on a well-lit, warm window-sill. It is in the winter that all the preparatory work should be carried out using peat, potassium and ammonium nitrate.

In order to plant the seeds in the ground, it is necessary to prepare the grooves, which will not be deeper than 1 cm, and place the grains there. After all the seeds are planted, they are powdered with earth. The plant can be transplanted only if it already has at least 5 leaves, and it will happen at least a month after the first planting.

Planting cucumber seeds at their summer cottage should be carried out on a dry sunny day so that the plant can get the necessary heat and minimum moisture. In the first few days you should not water the land. In no case should a deep landing be carried out, since this greatly increases the risk of root rot in the future.

Careful attention in the process of planting cucumber seeds in open ground should be given to the location interval between seedlings - it should be at least 18 cm. As for rows, the distance between them should be about 30 cm.

Regardless of how exactly the method was planted cucumbers, care for them is almost always the same. It is imperative to carry out watering, feeding, hilling. This allows not only to ensure the quality of the crop, but also to make the fruit stronger and protected from harmful microorganisms and pests.

One of the most important processes for cucumbers is watering. Without moisture, no living creature on our planet can exist, and cucumbers are no exception. And if the vegetable crop feels the lack of water resources, the fruits will be much less, and their quality and size will deteriorate. In addition, when planting seeds in the open field, the harvest may be different bitterness, and this will largely spoil the impression and taste of the product.

That is why experts recommend watering cucumbers on an ongoing basis, at least once a week. If the weather is too hot and the humidity level is low, then the number of waterings per week can be increased to three. It should be observed not for the calendar, but for the weather conditions, because even in May there are too dry days when the planted plants need a huge amount of water.

In addition, there are periods with heavy rains, when plants not only do not need to be watered, but also need to ensure their reliable protection against moisture overload. The latter can cause rotting of the roots, which in future will lead to the complete destruction of the crop.

In the process of watering, be sure to take into account the fact that young plants do not require large amounts of water, but adults need to be watered much more often,as they absorb more moisture and they need a larger number of trace elements. In any case, in the course of irrigation, it is necessary to ensure that the water completely soaks the soil and reaches the roots.

Unlike greenhouse plants, cucumbers in no case can not be watered completely if they are planted under the open sky. If you pour the leaves, then under the influence of sunlight they will get quite severe burns. In order to play it safe from such moments, it is recommended to water it early in the morning or late in the evening, when the sun's rays are minimal. In addition, it should be remembered that in no case should cucumber seeds be watered if the air temperature is below 12 degrees Celsius.

In order to get a high-quality and good harvest, cucumbers must be fed. The number of dressings depends on the type of seed used and the characteristics of the soil. On average, for 1 season you will have to feed at least 6 times. The first time it is necessary to resort to it after the first shoots. For this you can use both organic and mineral fertilizers. If you want to achieve the most positive results and get a quality crop, you can spend a combination of mineral and organic additives.

The mullein and chicken manure are excellent, which, in combination with the ashes, will provide the seeds with all the necessary microelements. From mineral fertilizers it is better to prefer superphosphate and urea, as well as potassium sulfate.

Properly organized garter makes it possible to simultaneously solve several problems, among which are: saving space in the garden, easier harvesting and its protection from a number of pests. It is best to produce a garter when the vegetable crop reaches 30 centimeters or more.

Pasoning cucumbers provides for the disposal of lateral shoots that may appear from the leaf axils at the main stem of the plant.

The peculiarity of vegetable culture is that after planting it grows quite strongly. Because of this, the plant spends a lot of effort on the formation of ovaries. In such conditions, the fruits can not grow properly, they are small and soft.

In order for the yield to be high quality and abundant, close attention should be paid to the control of pests and various diseases. This vegetable crop can suffer the same diseases as other representatives of melons. First of all, we are talking about fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, and other diseases that destroy culture.

One of the most unpleasant moments is anthracnose, which is presented in the form of white powdery spots. The main problem of this disease is that it slowly but surely destroys the entire crop. Such a disease can occur due to frequent fluctuations in temperature, lack of moisture or poor ventilation. In addition, the cause of the disease often becomes an excess of nitrogen fertilizer used.

If you detect the first symptoms of the disease, you need to take immediate action, as in the late stages you cannot save the harvest. First of all, you need to tear off and burn the affected leaves, and then feed them with potassium.

If there are too many yellow spots on the leaves of cucumbers, this indicates defeat by downy powdery mildew. At first, the spots are small in size, but soon they begin to grow and infect healthy leaves. After the leaf color changes to brown, they begin to dry out.

Downy mildew usually infects plants at the initial stage of development, therefore at this stage one should be extremely attentive. The reason may be too high air humidity, the use of cold water for watering or the presence of infections in the seeds.

One of the most difficult and unpleasant diseases is gray mold, which is a type of fungus. It develops with sharp fluctuations in temperature and too high humidity. A distinctive feature of this disease is that it can affect not only the fruits, but also the leaves of plants. If in time not to take any measures, then the foliage will begin to turn yellow and dry.

Dealing with gray rot is extremely difficult, so it is best to prevent its occurrence with the help of preventive measures. To the disease does not capture the entire area, you need to get rid of infected leaves and fruits. On the modern market there are many specialized chemicals that are designed to help in the fight against gray rot.

If white bloom began to appear on vegetable culture, the cucumbers were amazed by white rot. The essence of this disease is that it contributes to the decomposition of plant tissues, which as a result become softer and slimier. Prevention of this disease includes regular weeding of the beds and ensuring a constant flow of fresh air. If, however, prevent white rot did not work, then you should immediately abandon watering for a week and spray the plants with the help of "Topaz" or other chemicals.

Cucumbers can deteriorate not only due to various diseases, but also pests. If someone eats leaves of seedlings at night, then these are definitely snails, with which it is extremely difficult to fight.

If you see small insects of white color on the planted culture, then this is a whitefly. In most cases, it settles in greenhouses, however, in hot weather, street crops can also attack. It is extremely difficult to protect oneself from such a pest, since the parasite is carried by the wind.

A good way to fight would be glue traps. They are made on their own with a small piece of plywood or cardboard. Some summer residents resort to the following sly method - tobacco is planted next to them, which attracts whitefly to itself, and distracts them from cucumber crops.

To date, scientists have developed many ways to improve the quantity and quality of the crop. For example, you can stop watering a crop for a while before flowering. This is stressful for cucumbers, and they begin to grow fruits much faster.

Another way to increase the number of fruits from planting cucumber seeds in open ground is considered to be a mixture of different types and hybrids of a crop.

Thus, the planting of cucumber seeds in open ground should be carried out with all the responsibility and attention. Only in this case, it is possible to get a quality and tasty harvest in abundant quantities at the output. It is necessary to sow seeds and plant at a certain time so that cucumbers can survive in the open air. Cucumbers love heat and moisture, so it is better to sprout in the presence of a large amount of daylight.

See the following video for tips on planting cucumber seeds in open ground.