Which month is best for planting cucumbers?

Cucumber , as a typical dicotyledonous vegetable , can usually be sown when the soil temperature rises above 15℃. Under natural climatic conditions, the planting time span of cucumbers is relatively large and can be divided into three planting periods: spring, summer and autumn. Let’s learn in detail which months are the most suitable for planting cucumbers?

Which month is best for planting cucumbers?

The planting time of cucumbers actually varies depending on the different climatic and environmental conditions in each region. In areas south of the Yangtze River, due to the warm climate, cucumbers can be sown for three seasons, while in areas north of the Yangtze River, due to the colder climate, they can usually only be sown for two seasons. This flexible sowing arrangement allows cucumbers to grow under natural conditions in different regions.

The suitable sowing time for cucumbers is generally from January to March in spring or from June to August in summer. The specific sowing time needs to be adjusted according to local climatic conditions. To ensure a harvest before frost, it is recommended to sow approximately 70 days before the first frost. During the sowing period, maintaining the daytime temperature at around 25°C, the nighttime temperature at around 16°C, and the soil temperature at around 22°C will help improve the survival rate of cucumbers.

Cucumber Planting Methods

1. Land preparation

When choosing land for growing cucumbers , you should avoid planting melon crops for two consecutive years. The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and it should have good drainage and irrigation conditions, as well as fertile soil. If the water-land rotation method is adopted, the land should be plowed and furrowed in October, and a season of winter crops should be planted, followed by cucumbers in the spring of the following year.

2. Seed treatment

Germination treatment of cucumber seeds before sowing can help shorten the seedling period. The method is to soak the seeds in 55℃ warm water and stir for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to 25℃ clean water and soak for 8 hours, and finally germinate them in an environment of 27-30℃.

3. Sowing and raising seedlings

The cucumber seeds that have been primed can be sown in seedling cups or seedbeds, and the seeds will germinate in about two days. After the seedlings have grown for half a month, choose a sunny evening for transplanting. Water thoroughly before planting, carefully dig up the seedlings to protect the root system, and retain the soil around the roots. During the seedling stage, pay attention to controlling water and fertilizer to prevent the plants from growing too tall, and prevent and control diseases and pests in a timely manner.

4. Planting

Choose fertile and well-drained land for planting, apply about 2,000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per mu, and mix it evenly with the soil. When drilling planting holes, keep the hole spacing at 30 cm and the hole diameter slightly larger than the roots of the seedlings. It is best to transplant the plants on a sunny afternoon. After transplanting, cover the plants with soil and water them thoroughly. Dark mulch can be applied to maintain soil temperature and moisture while suppressing weed growth.

5. Water and fertilizer management

In addition to organic fertilizer , 30 kg of superphosphate should be added to the base fertilizer. When the seedlings grow 2 to 3 true leaves, start applying top dressing once a week, applying about 10 pounds of urea per mu. When applying top dressing, pay attention to the concentration, follow the principle of applying small amounts of fertilizer frequently, and avoid burning the roots. In summer and autumn, emphasis should be placed on applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and nitrogen fertilizers should be reduced to prevent excessive growth and premature aging. During the flowering and fruiting period, more water is needed, water once a day, and irrigate once every 3 to 5 days during droughts; drainage must be done well in rainy seasons.

6. Scaffolding and pruning

When cucumber tendrils appear, use bamboo strips to build a support to guide the growth of the vines. Regularly guide the vines to ensure that the plants are evenly distributed. According to the characteristics of the variety, varieties that bear fruit on the main vine do not require pruning, while varieties that bear fruit on the main side vines or side vines require topping pruning.

7. Harvest

The best time to harvest cucumbers is when the skin turns from dark green to bright green and shiny, and the flower buds do not fall off. It takes about 55 days from planting cucumbers to the first harvest in spring, and about 35 days in summer and autumn. The first batch of melons should be harvested in time to avoid affecting the growth of subsequent melons and the health of the plants.

The above is an introduction to the time and method of planting cucumbers. If you want to sow cucumbers, please choose an appropriate sowing time according to the local environment and climate.