Complex fertilizer for cucumbers 

For the growth of cucumbers and obtaining a good harvest, complex top dressing is required. Its composition includes useful minerals of various ratios. In the greenhouse for cucumbers, complex fertilizers are applied sequentially. At each stage of plant development, a certain set of minerals is needed.

Especially useful top dressing before flowering and during the fruiting of cucumbers. Before planting, attention is paid to preparing the soil. Subject to the established proportions, cucumbers will receive nourishment for active growth, the appearance of inflorescences and tasty fruits.

Signs of lack of fertilizer

With a lack of nutrients, cucumbers develop more slowly, leaves turn yellow on them and inflorescences fall off. By the nature of the negative changes, it is possible to determine which substances complex feeding should include.

Nitrogen deficiency is expressed by certain symptoms:

• the lower leaves turn yellow along the leaf veins;
• the growth of the main stems and shoots stops;
• fruits become lighter;
• cucumbers thicken at the stalk.

Potassium deficiency also has a number of manifestations:

• increased foliage growth;
• on the lower leaves there is a yellow border;
• cucumbers become pear-shaped.

Phosphorus deficiency is characterized by the following symptoms:

• side shoots grow more slowly;
• new leaves are darker in color and smaller.

Calcium deficiency can be identified by a number of symptoms:

• flowers fall;
• the taste and quality of cucumbers deteriorates;
• leaves curl up.

When saturated with nitrogen, the flowering of cucumbers slows down, a thick stem and dark green leaves grow. Excessive phosphorus content leads to yellowing of cucumber leaves. Excess potassium prevents the absorption of nitrogen, due to which the development of the plant slows down. Excessive amounts of calcium provoke the appearance of spots on the leaves of cucumbers.

Useful trace elements for cucumbers

For the full development of cucumbers, you need to provide high-quality top dressing. It is best to apply complex fertilizers that contain various trace elements.

The most effective for cucumbers are nitrogen, potassium and calcium. Complex top dressing will help in cases where it is difficult to determine by external signs which substances are lacking in cucumbers.

Nitrogen

The main trace element that ensures the development of cucumbers is nitrogen. A seedling is formed on its basis, so nitrogen is introduced into the greenhouse in the first place.

Nitrogen is a component of proteins that are involved in the formation of the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells. Also, this element forms organic compounds that are vital for plants.

To saturate the soil with nitrogen, a complex fertilizer is required, which additionally contains molybdenum and iron. Thus, nitrogen is transformed into a harmless form and does not accumulate in cucumbers.

potassium

Potassium is responsible for the taste and appearance of cucumbers. With a deficiency of this element, the fetus acquires an irregular shape, since the substance is distributed unevenly through the tissues.

Plants direct potassium from the soil to the fruits, so its lack is immediately reflected in the condition of the foliage.

Complex fertilizer for cucumbers includes potassium sulfate, which increases crop yield. Another of its actions is to increase immunity in plants. The substance is completely soluble in water and is used for root dressing.

Calcium

Calcium forms the walls and membranes of cells. With its deficiency, the ovaries die, and the fruits lose their taste.

Calcium is present in wood ash, so calcium-based fertilizer is considered one of the most effective for cucumbers.

The ash contains calcium carbonate, which affects the metabolic processes of the plant. Due to it, the speed of movement of substances increases, biochemical processes are normalized.

Calcium sulfate is used for complex fertilizers. It is also part of superphosphate, a common mineral fertilizer.

Phosphorus

Cucumbers require a small amount of phosphorus, however, its intake must be carried out constantly. The element is necessary for the growth of cucumbers, the formation of the root system, the setting and ripening of fruits.

Phosphorus is especially important when inflorescences appear. Therefore, it is added to the mineral fertilizer after planting cucumbers in the greenhouse.

Sulfur

Sulfur is often used for complex fertilizers, as it helps cucumbers absorb nitrogen. Sulfur is completely absorbed by plants, does not accumulate in the soil and does not oxidize it.

Types of complex fertilizers

Complex fertilizer can be obtained independently by mixing the components in the required proportions. All components can be purchased at a gardening store.

Various types of mineral fertilizers are supplied as a complex of substances, ready for use. For cucumbers, it is recommended to use nitrogen-based top dressing.

Dymmofoska

Diammofoska has the form of granules, which are chemically neutral. Substances dissolve in water and are well absorbed by cucumbers.

This complex fertilizer is applied to the soil to a depth of 10 cm. The components are scattered on the soil surface between cucumbers. Diammophoska is usually used after planting before flowering.

Diammofoska begins its action immediately after it enters the soil. Due to nitrogen, the growth of cucumbers is activated, after which phosphates help them get stronger. Then potassium promotes the absorption of phosphorus and increases the yield of cucumbers.

Ammofosca

Ammophoska is a complex type fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. This is a universal substance that can be applied regardless of the season, except for autumn.

Ammophoska is suitable for all types of soil. This fertilizer is especially necessary for regions with a dry climate, where the need for cucumbers in nitrogen is especially high.

When using ammophoska, protective equipment is used for the eyes, hands and respiratory organs. In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Nitrofosca

Nitrophoska is an improved form of ammofoska. According to the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, there are various options for nitrophoska.

The substance is available in granular form. Sulfuric acid nitrophoska is used to feed cucumbers. Its composition additionally contains sulfur. Due to this, not only high-quality top dressing is obtained, but also a substance that can repel pests.

If nitrophoska granules are used, they are introduced into the soil to a depth of 8 cm. To obtain a solution for irrigation, 40 g of the substance is required per 10 liters of water. For each seedling, up to 0,5 liters of such a solution is needed.

Stages of feeding cucumbers

Feeding cucumbers includes several stages. Up to 10 days should elapse between each stage. Additionally, you need to prepare soil for cucumbers in the autumn and spring.

Complex feeding is required for cucumbers at the following stages:

• after planting seedlings in a permanent place;
• before flowering;
• during the fruiting period.

If necessary, additional feeding can be carried out if the plant is experiencing a lack of nutrients.

Autumn tillage

Cucumbers are not recommended to be grown several times in a row in one place. In a greenhouse, this rule is much more difficult to follow. If you need to choose the location of the greenhouse, then preference is given to flat areas without blackouts.

Be sure to remove a layer of earth up to 10 cm thick, where harmful bacteria and spores of diseases accumulate. The greenhouse room is disinfected with a solution of copper sulfate or other substances.

In autumn, you can plant mustard in the greenhouse, which grows in about a month. This plant will become a good fertilizer for the soil in the future. Additionally, mustard serves as protection against pests.

The soil for the greenhouse needs to be formed in the fall. This requires equal proportions of the following components:

• peat;
• humus;
• sod land or chernozem.

Complex fertilizer is added to the resulting soil per 1 square meter:

• ash – 200 g;
• superphosphate – 1 tbsp.

After making these components, the soil is dug up. The soil must be highly fertile, breathable and absorb moisture.

Spring tillage

Cucumbers can be planted early – from early to mid-May. This option is suitable for regions with a warm climate. Late planting starts from the end of May and continues until the beginning of June.

Before planting cucumbers in a greenhouse, you need to prepare the soil and apply a complex of fertilizers. Work is carried out a week before planting cucumbers.

Previously, the soil is carefully dug up. For 1 square meter of soil, complex fertilizer is added:

• ammonium nitrate – 10 g;
• superphosphate – 30 g;
• potassium sulfate – 10 g.

To disinfect the soil, a solution of potassium permanganate is used (2 g per 10 liters of water). This solution is watered with soil that has received complex fertilizer. Then the surface of the beds is covered with a film and left for a week. After that, they start planting cucumbers.

First, manure is laid, which is dug up to a depth of 20 cm. Fresh manure is applied to the resulting mixture with the addition of sawdust. This forms an effective drainage layer.

The top layer of soil for cucumbers is compost up to 25 cm thick. After such preparation, the soil is enriched with complex fertilizer.

Seedling fertilizer

First, cucumber seedlings are grown, which are then transferred to the greenhouse. The seeds are pre-disinfected, then dried and planted in boxes. Soil is prepared for seedlings, consisting of peat, garden soil and humus.

Additionally, the soil is treated with a solution of potassium permanganate to eliminate harmful microorganisms. Then the soil is watered with warm water and dried.

Cucumber seeds are planted in the resulting soil. The first shoots appear after 3-5 days. Several cucumbers are planted in each container, then the strongest shoots are left.

Transfer of plants is carried out in warm weather. It is best to choose a cloudy day, morning or evening. Pre-land in boxes and greenhouses need to be watered.

Ammophoska is placed in the prepared hole. Its composition does not contain chlorine and sodium, which have an aggressive effect.

Then the cucumbers are carefully planted, covered with earth and watered with warm water.

Top dressing during flowering

During the growth period of cucumbers, it is not necessary to apply complex fertilizer before flowering. If the seedlings are developing well, then there is no need to use additional substances.

When cucumbers develop slowly, you definitely need to feed them. The first top dressing is performed 2 weeks after transplantation.

The composition of the first dressing includes the following fertilizers:

• urea – 1 tablespoon;
• superphosphate – 60 g;
• water – 10 l.

Another variant of complex fertilizer contains the following components:

• ammonium nitrate – 10 g;
• superphosphate – 10 g;
• potassium salt – 10 g;
• water – 10 l.

On the surface of the beds, you need to scatter diammophoska or ammophoska, after which – loosen the soil. So, cucumbers will receive the nitrogen necessary for full development.

Additionally, organic fertilizers are used: slurry, chicken or cow droppings. Superphosphate can be added to the mullein solution.

The second dressing is done before the flowering of cucumbers. This is a mandatory step in caring for plants, even if the first feeding was not performed.

The composition of the second make-up includes:

• potassium nitrate – 20 g;
• ammonium nitrate – 30 g;
• superphosphate – 40 g;
• water – 10 l.

Watering with complex fertilizer is carried out under the root of cucumbers. Up to 1 liters of solution is required per 3 sq.m of land. For complete top dressing, organic fertilizer is used (infusion of green grass).

Feeding during fruiting

During the fruiting period, cucumbers require an influx of nutrients. A complex fertilizer, including potassium and magnesium, will help to ensure it. The nitrogen concentration for such top dressing is minimal.

Nitrophoska is applied after the appearance of the first fruits. Fertilizer is obtained by dissolving 1 tbsp. substances in 10 liters of water.

If nitrogen acts after fertilization, then phosphorus compounds are activated after a few weeks. Potassium has an effect on the taste of cucumbers as it helps in the production of vegetable sugar.

You can provide cucumbers with potassium by adding potassium nitrate. For 10 liters of water, up to 30 g of this substance is required. Potassium is fed with fertilizer obtained by mixing a glass of ash and a bucket of water.

During the period of fruit formation, additional mineral top dressing is often required. Its purpose is to prolong fruiting and increase the number of ovaries. A solution of edible water has a beneficial effect on cucumbers. It is diluted in an amount of up to 30 g per bucket of water.

Conclusion

Complex fertilizers for cucumbers include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium. Cucumbers require top dressing throughout their life cycle. It is allowed to apply fertilizers at the stage of soil preparation. In the future, cucumbers need the supply of nutrients during flowering and fruiting. The frequency of feeding depends on the condition of the plants.

You can get a fertilizer with a complex effect by mixing the necessary components. An easier way is to purchase ready-made substances. They contain useful components in the required proportions and are completely ready for use. When working with complex fertilizers, personal protective equipment is required.