The secrets of cucumbers: There are several steps to a bountiful harvest

Growing cucumbers is incredibly popular. It would be very difficult to find a garden where they aren’t grown. This is certainly no surprise, as cucumbers offer virtually endless possibilities for use. Salad cucumbers are the classic choice, but pickling cucumbers are also a must. Such pickled cucumbers will undoubtedly come in handy in the winter. For example, it would be very difficult to find anything better to go with meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Growing cucumbers isn’t difficult. Still, it pays to know at least a few tips that will help ensure a perfect harvest. We’re sharing them with you in this article.

Watch out for mildew and weak plant immunity

Cucumbers should be treated as soon as the first three to four leaves appear. It’s best to use a solution you make yourself. It’s nothing complicated. Simply mix:

– 30 drops of iodine,

– 20 g of laundry soap, and

– 1 liter of milk.

We then spray the plants with this solution every 10 days until flowers appear. This nutrient solution is excellent against mold and also gives the plants extra strength.

Photo: Pixabay

Raised-bed garden beds are worth it

Cucumbers primarily need plenty of light and heat to grow. They simply cannot do without sufficient sunlight. When preparing the beds, it’s ideal to dig a deep trench in the middle and line it with compost and garden soil. The center of the bed will be raised, allowing the sun to warm it much more effectively.

Tip: Cucumbers love beer. Just give it to them.

Be careful about the right neighbors

It’s worth planting the following near cucumbers:

– Beans,

– peas,

– lettuce,

– celery.

The following plants should not be near cucumbers:

– Radishes,

– tomatoes,

– cabbage.

Elixirs for a bigger harvest

We have two available.

Whey elixir

We’ll prepare it in a very simple way. Just mix 2 liters of whey and 150 grams of sugar. Simply water the cucumbers with this homemade mixture several times.

Onion peel fertilizer

Nothing could be simpler. Just put 700 g of onion peels and 10 liters of water in a pot and let it simmer. Then let the mixture cool and sit for about 14 hours. Next, dilute 1 liter of the solution with 4 liters of water. Spray this mixture both on the soil and on the cucumber plants.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Don’t forget to pinch back the cucumbers

This is also a very important step that can increase the cucumber yield. We prune only the side shoots after every third leaf. We leave the main shoot alone.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Cucumbers

Is it worth raising the cucumber bed?

Yes, ideally the center should be raised.

What fertilizer is suitable for cucumbers?

Homemade fertilizer made from onion peels works great.

Where should you direct the water when watering cucumbers?

Toward the plant roots. Do not spray the leaves.

Sources: Author

Photo and gallery: Pixabay