If you are growing cucumbers in your garden, you are probably pleased with their size and your dinner table is the envy of the neighborhood.
However, there are a few things that can be done to keep your cucumbers happy and healthy. Here are some different gardening tips for cucumbers.
Watering Cucumbers do not like to be in standing water. They do not like wet feet. Therefore, avoid planting the same drip or micro sprinklers which water a section of the garden which stays wet for days. They need a water source that is accessible at the surface of the ground. Keep the water running every second day and water once daily.
Pruning Cucumbers do not need much pruning. If they are growing too many cucumbers then pruning is necessary for the cucumbers, but not for the other plants. Do not compact the soil. If you need to make a space between the stems then make sure that you do this with your hand. Fertilizer Make sure that you use fertilizer on the plants. You could create your own fertilizer with compost tea which is rich in nitrogen.
Pests and Diseases Cucumbers prefer to grow warm and dry. However, they sometimes get attacked by cucumber beetles and cucumber worms. These little pests can destroy your plants. You can treat the pests with homemade or store-bought sprays. Look for recipes online. Make sure you follow the instructions on the spray very carefully. If you do not use the correct mixture, you could end up destroying the plants.
Weeds are obviously a problem in your garden. Use gloves if you are removing weeds by hand. Small weeds are easier to pull up. If you have a large weed, use a small spade and pull it carefully. Weeds tend to spread very quickly. Water Make sure that your cucumber plants have access to water all the time. You could use a drip or micro-sprinkler on the plants so that the water will be available at all times. Mulch keeps the weeds under control, keeps the garden moist, insulates the soil from freezing at night, and keeps the garden looking nice.
Consistency Make sure that you maintain the same kind of watering schedule in your garden so that your garden is happy and your plants stay healthy. Proper Planting and Soil Planting Plant your cucumber seeds in rich composted soil. Make sure that the soil is loose enough to work a light sprinkling on the dirt. Avoid compacting the soil. Do not pile the soil in the container, as this will make planting difficult. When planting the seeds, pour a small amount of water on the soil. This will moisten the soil but will not fully saturate it. Keep the seedlings above the soil level. Make sure that you do not water the soil. Fertilizing When planting seedlings, you do not have to throw fertilizer on the plants. Just throw some compost tea on the plants and forget about them for a week or so.
Water When you water the cucumbers, do so the evening after the seedlings have sprouted. Water the plant thoroughly and water the soil around the plant too. This will cause the roots to go deeper into the soil. Make sure that you water the plant so that it remains moist at all times. However, do not overwater. When watering the cucumber plant, keep water in the container. This will cause the roots to go towards the water source. Mulch your cucumber plants.
This will keep the weeds under control, keeps the garden moist, insulates the soil from freezing at night, and keeps the garden looking nice.Ultimate guide of Gardening tips for cucumbers and where to grow is available at our Sunday Best Blog.
The Best time for Harvesting Harvesting Harvest the cucumbers when they are soft. Spray a homemade or store-bought solution on the cucumber. The cucumber will turn light green and sink to the bottom. Check out your cucumbers before harvesting. Any cucumbers that are too small or overripe should be removed. Persistence Cucumbers are very delicate especially when they are young. New cucumbers may sag or break if over watered or if they are not cared for properly. As long as they are growing, it is important to harvest.
Cucumbers might not be everyone’s cup of tea, however, this delicious vegetable is loved by everyone. Versatile and rich in vitamins and minerals, the cucumber can be cooked in variety of ways to retain its natural taste. Furthermore, the seeds are edible and can be used in certain dishes.
Following are most important points to remember.
1. When harvesting cucumbers, make sure to leave 2-3 inches at the top of the stem.
2. Make a habit of snipping off the blossoms when growing cucumbers in your indoor garden.
3. When the plants begin to sprout, do not fertilize. A small application of organic fertilizer once a month is enough.
4. Cucumbers do well in warm climates. Plant them in your home garden when the weather gets warm.
5. Use a mulch around your cucumber plants.
6. When sowing, use fall compost and lay a thin layer on the ground. Use organic soil.
7. Make sure your cucumber plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
8. Short daily watering is enough for the cucumbers to thrive.
9. Keep your cucumber plants watered, especially in dry conditions.
10. When the plants are 12 inches tall, pick the cucumbers.
11. Cucumbers need to be left on the vine to completely ripen.
12. Make sure to remove all the vines after harvesting.
13. Cucumbers grow well in containers.
14. When harvesting the cucumbers, leave 2-3 inches at the top of the stem.
15. You can store your cucumbers in the refrigerator.
16. There is a high chance that your plants will suffer from root rot. Avoid it by using organic soil.
17. Cucumbers come in an endless variety and can be grown for a variety of purposes.
18. When planting, make sure to choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunshine per day.
19. Cucumbers are abundant in vitamin C.
20. The cucumber is a healthy alternative to sodas and other sugary beverages.
21. Cucumbers are rich in fiber.
22. Cucumbers are rich in chlorophyll and helps in cleansing the body of harmful toxins.
23. The seeds of cucumbers are edible and can be sprouted.
24. Cucumbers are low in fat.
25. A cucumber a day keeps the doctor away.
26. A cucumber a day keeps the dentist away.
27. Cucumbers is packed with vitamins such as vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper and potassium.
28. Cucumbers are rich in magnesium, a mineral that aids in pain relief and relaxation.
29. Cucumbers improve vision and strengthen the muscles of the eyes.
30. Cucumbers reduce the stress levels.
31. Cucumbers are a perfect summer food. They are loaded with water.
32. The cucumber is packed with antioxidants.
33. Cucumbers are considered good for the heart.
34. You can store cucumbers in the refrigerator.
35. Cucumbers are easy to prepare.