Not all varieties of cucumbers are suitable for growing in a greenhouse, since it is very cold in winter, there is not always enough light in the greenhouse, and insects that should pollinate the plants are completely absent.
But through trial and error, I have selected the best of the best varieties of cucumbers. I want to note that each of them has a small F1 prefix in the name. This means that the variety can self-pollinate:
- Swallowtail;
- Anyuta;
- Dynamite;
- Calendar;
- Lilliputian;
- Zozulya.
Seedling
Usually I grow the seedlings right away in the greenhouse, this helps to increase the survival rate of the seedlings during the next transplants. But it is very important to carefully monitor heating and lighting.
The soil
I recommend using a light soil mixture, the reaction should be slightly acidic. It is good if the composition contains peat, sand, garden soil and humus.
Suitable for disinfection:
- copper sulfate (solution 7%);
- water bath (2 hours);
- oven (put a layer of 5 cm on a baking sheet, 100 ° C, 25 minutes).
Containers
In my practice, I used only peat cups, they are most suitable for cucumber seedlings. I never dive it, because the roots can be damaged, but I immediately plant it in containers.
Preparing the seeds
The process is not very difficult, but you need to complete all the points. How do I do it:
- I sort the seeds, remove the defective ones and soak the remaining ones in water. Empty seeds float immediately.
- I disinfect all the material using a solution of potassium permanganate. I wash it with clean water.
- I carry out the hardening process so that the seeds are resistant to temperature extremes. I moisten the cheesecloth, put the seeds in it and put it in the refrigerator for 7 days. The gauze should always be damp.
- I stimulate the growth to be better and faster by treating with Epin.
We sow the seeds
I wash the peat containers in potassium permanganate, put the substrate in them and water it. I deepen the seeds by 2 centimeters. I place the containers under the film so that the soil is always moist.
Seedling care
The temperature must be maintained at about 25 ° C, the place should be chosen dark. When shoots appear, for the first few days I provide good lighting, about 20 hours / day, and I lower the temperature to 15 ° C. Further, there is enough lighting for 14 hours, and I advise you to water it 2 times every 6-8 days. When the third leaf appears, you can fertilize with organic materials.
When to transplant seedlings into the greenhouse
After 30 days from sowing, I transplant the seedlings. I put some manure under the ground, use hot water for irrigation and then lay the ground in a layer of 25 centimeters. I place the rows at a distance of about a meter from each other, and the holes - 25 centimeters.
Growing technologies
- The best greenhouse is polycarbonate. The lighting must be of high quality. And it is worth minimizing drafts by making a vestibule at the entrance, and closing open (outside the greenhouse) areas with barriers.
- Always control the climate. I recommend installing a heating system and monitoring the humidity level.
- After transplanting, water (warm water), process the soil and fertilize (organic, mineral mixtures) seedlings.
- Tie and shape the bushes.
- To have constant access to oxygen, I advise you to regularly loosen the soil and remove weeds.
- Hilling helps from freezing.
If you managed to create the necessary conditions and provide high-quality care, then you can be content with the harvest year-round. After all, fresh vegetables and a charge of vitamins in winter are in short supply.
Read also: What can not be done when pickling cabbage? We analyze the main mistakes
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