Cucumbers on the ground or on a net? One method takes the lead

Cucumbers are undoubtedly among the most popular crops in many gardens. Growing them isn’t complicated at all, and you can be sure of a high-quality harvest. Perhaps the main question regarding cucumber cultivation is whether we should grow them on the ground, on a net, or with some other form of support. Both methods of growing cucumbers have their pros and cons. We’ll therefore take a much closer look at them in the following paragraphs.

Cucumbers are extremely sensitive in June

This is true, and there are several reasons why. Traditionally, these include:

– very rapid plant growth,

– increased leaf mass,

– the start of cucumber fruiting,

– sufficient moisture.

You have to take into account that June brings higher humidity and morning dew. Warm days alternate with cooler nights.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Growing cucumbers on the ground is convenient, but it can be tricky

That’s true. Cucumbers grow quite well on the ground. They gradually cover the entire surface, and at first glance, they seem to be doing just fine. However, problems will gradually become apparent. The reasons are as follows:

– The fruits lie on damp soil, which isn’t good,

– the leaves dry more slowly and moisture lingers on them,

– air circulation is minimal,

– diseases spread very subtly.

Gradually, the leaves of cucumbers grown this way will begin to turn yellow, and the fruits will become misshapen. Bitterness and rot will also set in, starting from the tips of the fruits.

Cucumbers grown on netting require more work, but there are fewer risks

That’s right. Setting up netting for the plants takes some time and involves an additional expense. However, the support is worth it for several reasons:

– The leaves dry much faster,

– the fruits will no longer touch the ground,

– diseases will no longer spread so easily,

– harvesting is easier.

The netting must be installed in time, preferably before the plant begins to bear fruit. In any case, this method of growing cucumbers is much more efficient and effective. All you need to do is prepare the garden beds.

Sources: Author, Meta

Photo and photogallery: Radek Stepan