Cucumber high yield management method

Many cucumber growers have reported that the growth of cucumbers in the past two years has not been as good as before, and disease treatment has become more difficult. After pulling out the plants, it was discovered that there was a problem with the cucumber's root system, with new roots growing slowly and the root system poorly developed. This situation is most likely due to inappropriate management practices. Let’s learn about the high-yield management methods of cucumbers.

1. Soil preparation and ridging

Cucumber planting should choose slightly acidic to neutral sandy loam with loose soil, rich in organic matter, and strong water and fertilizer retention capacity. The optimal pH range is 5.7 to 7.2. A pH value below 5.5 may cause plant chlorosis and death, while a pH value above 7.2 may cause root burn and salt damage. High ridge cultivation is adopted, with ridge bottom width of 60 cm, ridge surface width of 30 cm and ridge height of about 40 cm. Avoid applying base fertilizer to encourage roots to penetrate deep into the soil and cultivate a strong root system.

2. Variety selection and seedling cultivation

Choose cucumber varieties with full seeds, strong disease resistance, good stress resistance, good commercial quality and high yield, such as Jinyou No. 10 and Bonai No. 3.

Seed treatment: Soak the seeds in 55℃ warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly until the water temperature drops to 30℃, and then soak for another 3 to 4 hours. Wash the seeds, dry them and then germinate them. Under conditions of 28 to 32°C, seeds can be sown after 1 to 2 days when 70% of the seeds turn white.

3. Planting and root cultivation

Cucumbers should be transplanted when they have two leaves and one heart, using single row dense planting. After planting, use "Strengthen Roots and Quicken Plants" to irrigate the stems and roots to promote root growth. Cultivate a double root system to adapt to temperature changes in different seasons.

4. Seedling Management

Temperature control: from sowing to emergence, 28 to 32°C during the day and 10 to 18°C ​​at night; from emergence to heartbreaking, 25 to 30°C during the day and 16 to 18°C ​​at night; from heartbreaking to transplanting, 20 to 25°C during the day and 12 to 16°C at night.

Water management: Control water appropriately during the seedling stage, water when the soil is dry, and water thoroughly.

Hardening of seedlings: Control water 7 to 10 days before transplanting, increase ventilation, 18 to 20℃ during the day and 8 to 10℃ at night. The seedlings are 15 cm tall, with 3 leaves and 1 heart, and are transplanted when they are about 35 days old.

5. Irrigation and fertilization

After transplanting, water the plants and apply rooting agent for 3 to 5 days to resume growth. After new roots grow underground, water with a full-element nutrient solution. 5 kg per mu in the initial flowering period, 15 kg per mu in the peak fruit-bearing period, and irrigate the soil once a week. During the harvest period, water flexibly according to the weather and plant conditions.

6. Management of hanging vines

After the cucumbers have climbed up, start hanging the vines, tie the stems, and as the vines grow longer, coil the heads, remove old and diseased leaves to increase light transmittance.

7. Harvest

Melons can be harvested 25 to 30 days after planting, and the harvest period is 40 to 60 days. The yield per mu is about 4,500 to 5,000 kilograms. The melon is harvested when the top of the melon becomes round from pointed, at which time the melon is ripe but not old.

The above is an introduction to the high-yield management methods of cucumbers. Cucumber growers can learn more and achieve the highest yield of cucumbers based on actual conditions.