Cucumber planting technology and management methods

Cucumber, this popular vegetable, has become a regular on people's tables with its crisp taste and rich nutrition. As the temperature rises, the best time for cucumber planting is quietly approaching. Let’s learn about cucumber planting techniques and management methods together.

1. Environment selection

Cucumbers prefer warmth and are sensitive to low temperatures. The optimum temperature for their growth is between 18 and 32 degrees Celsius. When the temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius, cucumbers may suffer from chilling injury, affecting their growth. When the ground temperature is below 12 degrees Celsius, root growth will be restricted. Therefore, the ground temperature should be kept at least above 15 degrees Celsius to facilitate the healthy development of the root system. Farmers can determine the time to transplant cucumbers based on these temperature conditions. Because cucumbers have shallow roots and limited ability to absorb water and fertilizer in the soil, sufficient water and fertilizer supply must be ensured during the growth period of cucumbers.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

About 10 days before transplanting the cucumber seedlings, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied. The base fertilizer is mainly composed of decomposed farmyard manure, supplemented by nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Apply about 100 kg of decomposed cake fertilizer, 20 kg of potassium sulfate fertilizer and an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer per mu. After fertilizing, deep plowing and fine harrowing should be carried out to ensure that the fertilizer is thoroughly mixed with the soil. Water thoroughly before transplanting, and make ridges when the soil moisture is appropriate.

3. Transplanting cucumber seedlings

When the local temperature is stable at above 15 degrees Celsius, cucumber seedlings can be transplanted. Harden the seedlings at low temperature about 10 days before transplanting, and choose to transplant in the morning or after 4 pm on a sunny day. When transplanting, it is best to transplant with soil and grade and classify the seedlings to ensure the uniformity of the seedlings in the field.

4. Water and Fertilizer Management

After transplanting, if the base fertilizer is sufficient and the soil moisture is appropriate, there is no need to supplement water and fertilizer immediately. Just keep the soil moderately moist. When the root melon grows to more than 10 cm, the first watering can be carried out. Water the cucumbers once a week before harvesting, once every 4 days during the peak harvest period, and once a week in the later period. Combined with watering, apply urea and potassium sulfate fertilizer once half a month before picking melons, and apply fertilizer once every 10 days during the peak fruiting period.

5. Planting technology

Land preparation and fertilization: mainly organic fertilizer and supplemented by chemical fertilizer to ensure nutrient balance in the soil.

Four-film covering: Four-film covering technology is used in greenhouses in early spring to increase ground temperature.

Timely transplanting: Choose a sunny morning for transplanting to ensure healthy growth of seedlings.

6. Field Management

1. Temperature control

In the early stage of planting, due to the low ground temperature, the greenhouse needs to be closed to quickly increase the ground temperature. Even if the temperature briefly exceeds 35°C, ventilation should be avoided to protect the seedlings. During the seedling acclimatization period, there is no need for ventilation due to high temperature. The small arch shed should be opened in time in the early morning to accelerate the rise of soil temperature. After the seedlings have grown, ventilate the plants in time according to climatic conditions to ensure that the daytime temperature is maintained at 21 to 28°C for at least 8 hours and the minimum nighttime temperature is not lower than 12°C. As the outside temperature rises, the ventilation volume is gradually increased. When the outside temperature remains above 12°C, all-day ventilation can be achieved to maintain the optimal temperature range of 25 to 30°C in the greenhouse in the morning and 20 to 25°C in the afternoon.

2. Soil management

After the cucumber seedlings have grown, the soil should be loosened 3 to 4 times, from near to far and from shallow to deep. At the same time, small high ridges should be built for the seedlings to form a suitable cultivation terrain.

3. Humidity control

The relative humidity of cucumbers in the greenhouse should be controlled below 85% to avoid condensation on the leaves. Using greenhouse film with drip and mist reduction function can help reduce humidity. After irrigation on a sunny morning, first close the greenhouse to raise the temperature to 33°C, and then gradually open the vents to discharge moisture. When the temperature drops to 25℃, close the vents. Repeat this 2 to 3 times for 2 to 3 days to reduce the humidity in the greenhouse.

4. Plant adjustment

When the cucumber plants grow 7 to 8 leaves and are about 25 cm tall, remove the small arch shed and start rope management. Remove the side vines below the first melon in time, and leave two leaves in front of the melon for pinching. When the main vine has 25 leaves, pinch off the top to promote the growth of the melon. Root melons should be picked in time after they are ripe to avoid excessive weight affecting the plants.

5. Removal of arch shed

The small arch shed is usually removed when the ropes are hung 15 to 20 days after planting. As the outside temperature rises, the canopy will be gradually removed to increase light transmittance. Generally, the lower canopy is removed in mid-March, and the second canopy is removed in late March or early April.

In short, through the above-mentioned cucumber planting techniques and field management methods, the yield and quality of cucumbers will be effectively guaranteed. I hope this information can help farmers grow cucumbers better.