Cucumbers along with tomatoes are considered in our region the most popular vegetables grown on open ground beds. They can be grown both with the help of seedlings, and without it. Of course, by sowing seeds immediately in the garden soil, you will not have any trouble with the seedlings. However, it is the seedling method that will make planting of grown plants possible in May, and then you will harvest much earlier. Other advantages are the extension of the fruiting period and the guarantee of yield in the northern regions.
Choosing growing cucumbers through seedlings, keep in mind: here also has its own characteristics. Let's find out what the seeding of cucumbers is for seedlings.
When to plant cucumbers on seedlings at home?
One of the important characteristics of this culture is its thermophilic nature. Cucumbers germinate better and faster at a higher ambient temperature.
It is necessary to plan the planting of seedlings taking into account the fact that it should spend no more than 3 weeks on the window, and the planting in the bed is performed no earlier than the soil surface warms up to + 15 ° С.
It also matters where you plant plants - in greenhouse or open ground. So, in the latter case, cucumbers sow in late April - early May.
How to plant cucumbers in seedlings?
Before you start planting, you should pay attention to the seeds of cucumbers, because they also are very different. And the point here is not even in varieties, very diverse, but in germination, which directly depends on the storage conditions of the seeds. For example, a characteristic feature of cucumbers is that their planting material is stored for 8-10 years, having optimal germination for 3-4 years of storage. But to plant fresh seeds, collected in the last season, on the contrary, it is not necessary. As for storage conditions, it is about + 15 ° C and air humidity is 50-60%.
Do not forget about preseeding. The shop seeds do not need it, but the ones collected by oneself should be decontaminated by soaking potassium permanganate in the solution, stratified for 48 hours in the refrigerator and soaked in water until pecking. So, you have prepared properly and are ready to sow the cucumbers for seedlings. Now it's time to take care of the right soil. It should be light and nutritious. Peat and sand can be added to the ground. Seeds when planting are immersed in the substrate at 1.5-2 cm. Then, until the sprouts appear, the temperature in the room with the seedlings should be in the region of +23 ... 28 ° С.
Watering requires seedlings of cucumbers at least twice a week. In this case, you need to make sure that the soil in the cups does not dry out - cucumbers love moisture and, in its absence, will not grow. It is desirable to place the seedlings from the ground on the lightest window sill without drafts.
The first fertilizing of cucumber seedlings is required already when 1-2 present leaflets appear. During the entire planting period, it will suffice to feed the cucumbers thrice. Used for this are substances such as ammonium nitrate, superphosphate and cow dung, dissolved in water.
If you are seriously engaged in gardening, think about buying a phyto-lamp.
Seedlings of cucumbers are grown, as a rule, without picks, as it takes a long time to get accustomed and ill. Therefore, it is recommended to sow the seeds immediately in disposable cups or other plastic containers, or use peat tablets.
Seedling, ready for planting in the open ground, looks like this. It has sturdy stems with short interstices, dense dark green leaves and, of course, developed root system. Plant the seedlings very carefully, so as not to injure the tender roots of cucumbers.