Cucumbers will continue to bear fruit right through to autumn. All they need is the right nutrients

Cucumber season is in full swing. However, you may feel that the cucumbers are running out and won’t produce any more. This often happens, but it’s certainly not too late to give your cucumbers a helping hand. In fact, they can continue to produce without any major problems well into autumn. They just need the right nutrients. The leaves will stop turning yellow and the plants will be perfectly primed to give us large cucumbers for several more weeks. So what do cucumber plants need?

Whey as a great pick-me-up for cucumbers

We can start with whey. It contains both lactic acid bacteria and a wide variety of minerals and trace elements. It’s ideal for supporting soil microorganisms. These microorganisms play a key role in the development of a healthy root system, which is linked to the plants’ vitality. It also contains small amounts of nutrients that cucumbers can easily utilise.

Iodine in small doses

Iodine is also a very good choice for cucumbers. It helps boost the plants’ vitality and protects them from all sorts of fungal spores. However, it must be dosed very carefully. Cucumbers really only need a few drops diluted with water.

Photo: Radek Stepan

A mixture of both substances is ideal

That’s right. We’ve prepared an elixir that’s ideal for cucumbers. We needed the following ingredients:

– 1 litre of fresh whey,

– 9 litres of lukewarm water,

– 10 drops of iodine.

That was all. We had to mix the whole mixture thoroughly. The solution must be used fresh; otherwise, there’s no point.

Tip: Watch out for yellow spots on cucumbers. How can you protect them?

How to use the solution on cucumbers?

First, you need to water the soil with clean water. This prevents the roots from coming into immediate contact with the solution and suffering any shock. We applied roughly 500 ml of the mixture to each plant. Just make sure the solution reaches the roots directly, not the cucumber leaves.

How often should you fertilise cucumbers?

Ideally once a week, during active growth and whilst they are bearing fruit. With regular fertilisation, the plants will be stronger and more productive, even in the height of summer. The solution will help the cucumbers and you’ll be able to harvest for longer.

Sources: Author, Meta

Photo and photogallery: Radek Stepan