Each of us dreams of crunching in the summer (as early as possible) with a delicious cucumber grown in his own garden. But in our country, unfortunately, frost does not recede as fast as we would like. And everyone knows that cucumber is a very thermophilic plant. Therefore, to achieve an early harvest is possible only if the planting of cucumbers in the open ground will be carried out using seedlings.
Presowing seed treatment
Today in stores you can find a huge number of varieties of cucumbers. But many still prefer to collect seeds from their own beds. There are several features. When choosing material for sowing, it is important to consider that planting cucumbers from last year's seeds may be less effective. The fact is that the yield of cucumbers increases with seed age and reaches a maximum after three years, and then drops.
In other words, the seeds of varietal cucumbers from their own planting material do not lose their characteristics for several years. At the same time, hybrid cucumbers almost never grow the same as in previous years. For their planting, it is better to choose the seeds purchased in the store.
Planting cucumbers without fail is carried out after preliminary preparation of seeds. Magazines do not need to be disinfected, but planting material collected independently must be kept in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a ready-made disinfectant.
After disinfection, the seeds are soaked for peeling. To this end, they are wrapped with a damp cloth and kept for several days at room temperature. This procedure significantly accelerates the emergence of seedlings.
Planting and caring for seedlings of cucumbers
In case of transplantation, cucumbers take root very poorly and are ill for a long time. Therefore,
planting seedlings of cucumbers is carried out in such a way as to eliminate the need for picking. For this, cucumbers are planted in peat,
paper cups one at a time - two peeling seeds. In principle, you can use any other molds, the main thing is that the seedlings can be easily removed from them with an earthen lump.
Before germination, the pots with crops should be in a room with a temperature of 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. Such seedlings of cucumbers are considered to be qualitative , which did not stretch. You can prevent stretching if, after emergence, keep the pots in a cool room with an air temperature of 18 to 20 degrees. As the seedlings grow in the pots, it is necessary to add soil. If the cucumbers are still pulled, it is imperative to provide additional illumination of the crops. It is important to consider that the optimal seedling age is not more than four weeks.
Planting seedlings of cucumbers
Planting cucumbers grown by seedlings in the soil is done after the end of spring frosts. The soil should warm up to a temperature of 16 degrees, and the air to 20.
It is advisable to pre-prepare for the landing. For this, the seedlings are taken out to fresh air for seven days. And for a day abundantly watered.
Planting seedlings of cucumbers should be in such a way that the edges of the clod of earth are on the same level with the surface. If the plants have grown, then they are placed obliquely in the holes. It is important to provide plentiful watering and shading during the first days after planting. If the air temperature drops to 15 degrees, the seedlings of cucumbers must be covered with a film.
Following simple recommendations and careful care will help you achieve a good harvest of cucumbers.