When to plant autumn cucumbers?

Cucumber is a common vegetable with rich nutritional value and is loved by people. It can generally be planted in two seasons, one in spring and one in summer and autumn. However, due to the huge differences in climate across China, the planting time in the north and south is also very different. So when should autumn cucumbers be planted? Let’s take a look below.

1. When to plant autumn cucumbers?

The best time to plant autumn cucumbers is early August. At this time, the temperature drops slightly, which can avoid the highest temperature in summer and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests. At the same time, the temperature during the flowering and fruiting period is around 30 degrees, which can prevent the cucumber vines from growing too tall and prevent flowers and fruits from falling. If planting autumn cucumbers in the southern region, the planting time can be delayed a little.

2. Planting techniques for autumn cucumbers

1. Site selection and land preparation

When choosing soil, you should pay special attention to its fertility and drainage performance, which are very important. For the best condition, you should choose a place that is soft and rich in organic matter, as this can promote the growth of cucumbers more effectively. Generally speaking, before sowing, we will dig deep into the soil. This will, on the one hand, enhance the soil's air permeability, and on the other hand, help to store water and retain moisture. Then we need to apply sufficient base fertilizer to ensure that the cucumbers get enough nutrients. Cucumbers prefer soil with high humus content; therefore, it is more reasonable to add appropriate amount of fully decomposed organic fertilizer during fertilization.

2. Seedling raising and transplanting

Autumn cucumbers can be grown by transplanting seedlings! The first step is to soak the seeds in warm water at about 55℃ for 10-20 minutes; then let the water temperature drop to 28℃-30℃ and continue soaking the seeds until they germinate. When raising seedlings, it is necessary to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity to ensure that the seedbed is moist but not waterlogged. When 2-3 true leaves grow out, it can be transplanted; when transplanting, care should be taken to protect the integrity of the root system and water it immediately to ensure the survival of the seedlings.

3. Water and fertilizer management

Cucumbers require a lot of water during their growth period, so they need to be supplemented with fertilizer. When applying topdressing during the flowering and fruiting stage, you should adopt a method with low concentration and high frequency, that is, apply fertilizer frequently but in small amounts. When cucumbers enter the flowering and fruiting period, they need to absorb a large amount of water; insufficient water supply will weaken the cucumber's ability to bear fruit continuously and even cause fruit deformities.

4. Pest and disease control

The main diseases of autumn cucumber are downy mildew, bacterial angular leaf spot and anthracnose; the insect pests are aphids, American spotted fly and melon guard fly. Methods for preventing and controlling these diseases and pests include selecting disease-resistant varieties, carrying out proper crop rotation, promptly removing diseased plants, and using pesticides in moderation.

5. Temperature and humidity management

The temperature changes greatly in autumn, so we must pay attention to the management of temperature and humidity. After entering the Cold Dew season, when the night temperature is below the lower limit of the suitable temperature for cucumber growth, the shed should be covered in time to prevent frost. On sunny days, the doors are opened and the film is removed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on cloudy days, when the temperature is above 15°C, the south door can be opened for ventilation. When the temperature is below 15°C, the south door will only be opened for 30 minutes at noon. When the temperature is below 10℃, the shed should be closed to keep warm.

That’s it