Cucumber seedling planting method whole process

Cucumber growth depends on sufficient sunlight, and its optimal growth temperature range is 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. When the ambient temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius, the growth rate of cucumbers will be significantly affected and become slow. If the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, the growth of cucumbers will stagnate and the fruits may become deformed and soften. Let’s learn the whole process of planting cucumber seedlings.

1. Planting time

Cucumbers prefer warm environments and are not cold-resistant. Its growth temperature range is 10 to 32℃, the optimum temperature during the day is 25 to 32℃, and at night it is 15 to 18℃; the optimum ground temperature is 20 to 25℃, and the lowest tolerable temperature is around 15℃. The temperature difference between day and night is most suitable at 10 to 15℃. When the temperature is as high as 35℃, the photosynthesis of cucumber will be weakened, and at 45℃, high temperature disorder will occur, while at low temperature of -2 to 0℃, frost damage will occur. If subjected to low-temperature training, cucumbers can withstand temperatures as low as 3°C. Therefore, when the local temperature stabilizes at around 20℃, it is the best time to plant cucumbers.

2. Soil selection

Cucumbers like moisture but are afraid of waterlogging, they like fertility but are afraid of excessive fertilizer damage. You should choose neutral and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter, retains water and fertilizer, and has good air permeability. The soil pH value should be between 5.5 and 7.2, and the optimal pH value is 6.5. If you don't want to mix the soil yourself, you can buy nutrient soil specially formulated for growing cucumbers .

3. Sowing method

Sowing can be divided into direct sowing and transplanting.

Direct seeding: The spacing between seed holes is about 30 to 40 cm. Water thoroughly before sowing, then place 2 to 3 seeds in each seed hole, cover with 1 to 1.5 cm of soil, and gently compact to maintain moisture and suitable temperature.

Thinning: Start thinning when the cucumber seedlings grow 2 to 3 true leaves, keep the strongest one in each planting pit and remove the rest. The removed seedlings can be transplanted into ungerminated seed pits. Be careful to select seedlings with intact roots and water them immediately after transplanting to ensure survival.

Transplanting: Transplant the purchased cucumber seedlings directly into the planting pit. First fill the planting pit with water, and plant the seedlings before the water has completely penetrated. Cover the pit with soil after the water has penetrated. Be careful not to bury it too deep to avoid burying the leaves of the seedlings. After covering the pit with soil, gently compact it.

4. Scaffolding

Cucumber is a climbing plant, so a trellis should be set up as soon as possible after planting to prevent wind and seedlings from growing. You can use a trellis or herringbone trellis, about 8 to 10 cm from the roots.

5. Binding vines

Use the "8" shaped vine tying method to prevent the stems from being injured and drooping. Tie every 2 to 3 nodes, preferably in the afternoon because the stems are easy to break in the morning. The tightness of the vine binding should be determined according to the growth strength of the plant. Plants with strong growth should be tied appropriately and the growth point should be kept at the same height.

6. Water and fertilizer management

Different fertilization and watering methods are adopted according to different growth stages to balance vegetative growth and reproductive growth, extend the fruit-setting period and increase yield.

Initial flowering period: After transplanting, slow down the growth of the seedlings in time to promote root recovery and growth. After planting and watering, fertilizer and water management should be controlled to avoid excessive growth. If the soil is too dry after the seedlings have grown, you can water it in small amounts to avoid watering the seedlings directly.

Fruiting stage: Management at this stage is mainly focused on promoting growth. With the harvesting of root melons and waist melons, the cucumber's demand for water and fertilizer increases. The principle of watering is to start small and then increase, and gradually reduce.

Root melon stage: The plant growth and the number of melons are not large, so the watering frequency and amount of water should not be too much, and the ground should be kept moist.

Growing period of cashew melon: It grows vigorously and needs a lot of fertilizer and water. Water it once every 1 to 2 days, or even twice a day. It is best to water in the morning and evening, and topdressing should be mainly nitrogen fertilizer, with appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, in small amounts and multiple times.

Growing period of top cucumber: When cucumber enters the senescence period, it is necessary to reduce fertilizer and water, delay senescence, and extend the fruiting period. Water and fertilizer management should be small amounts and multiple times.

7. Weeding

During the growth of cucumbers, weeds around the planting pits should be removed regularly to prevent them from affecting the growth of cucumbers.

8. Pest and disease control

The main diseases include anthracnose, powdery mildew, black spot, angular spot, mosaic disease, downy mildew, etc., and the main pests include root-knot nematodes, whiteflies, aphids, etc. The principle of prevention and control is early detection and early treatment to avoid affecting growth and fruiting.

9. Harvest and storage

The harvest time of cucumbers is not fixed. It can be harvested about 40 to 45 days after sowing, and the harvest period is about 2 months. Cucumbers are not easy to store for a long time. It is recommended to pick them as you eat them. If you pick too many at one time, you can refrigerate them for several days.

The above is an introduction to the entire process of cucumber planting. When performing specific operations, you still need to consider the local environment and the growth conditions of the cucumbers.