How to grow cucumbers in the country

The varieties and hybrids of cucumbers are divided into two groups: bee-pollinated and female type of flowering (another name is parthenocarpic, they do not need insects for fruiting). “Partenocarpics” are fruitful, unpretentious and fairly resistant to diseases and are ideal for planting in a greenhouse. Conversely, if there are a lot of barren flowers in the shelter, perhaps you have planted a bee-pollinated variety, get ready to open the doors more often. To attract insects, spray these plants with a sweetened lemon balm infusion once a week.

Cucumbers love feeding, without it you cannot get a crop. If the fruits grow slowly, are deformed or very thorny, it is time to give nitrogen fertilizer, pour a weak solution of urea under the root. Cucumbers have become pear-shaped – there is not enough potassium. Pour the wood ash solution over them (1 cup per bucket of water). If, after feeding, you spray the plants with epin or another growth stimulant, a powerful harvest is guaranteed.

The stems of greenhouse cucumbers are tied up on trellises up to 2 m high: the stem is easily tied with a free loop of twine, and the cucumber itself is pulled up by its tendrils. In hybrids and small-fruited varieties, the cucumber is led vertically along the trellis. The main stem is pinched when it reaches the trellis, the side shoots are removed. Long-fruited varieties require the removal of the lower part (the first three leaves) of the female flowers and lateral lashes. The main stem is pinched at the level of 3-4 leaves above the level of the trellis, and the remaining shoots are removed at a height of 1 m.

The next reason for poor growth is a lack or excess of moisture. Water the plants only with warm, settled water, in small doses about three times a week, be sure to choose warm days. As soon as the first flowers appear, watering is stopped. Excess water in hot weather can cause vigorous growth of shoots and foliage, and this is a direct way to reduce yields.

Carefully monitor the condition of the plants so as not to miss the first symptoms of diseases. White spots on the leaves are a sign of powdery mildew, cucumbers can shed the ovaries. Since plants cannot be treated with chemicals, use spraying with skim milk (per bucket of water – a liter of milk and 10 drops of iodine) once a week. If an aphid attacked, use an infusion of fresh garlic (crushed head for 3 liters of oxen). Anthracnose is manifested by rounded spots on the upper side of the leaf, a pinkish bloom forms on the lower side. Tear off and destroy all damaged leaves, and treat the plant itself with Bordeaux mixture.