It all started on one of the autumn days, when I realized that it was hard for me without a summer residence. My wife advised me to plant vegetables on the window. I thought why not. This is how a small vegetable garden appeared on the windowsill in our house. Today I will tell you how to grow cucumbers at home.
How to grow cucumbers on the window
I have several windows in the apartment facing the sunny side. For the cultivation of cucumbers, these are the most suitable conditions. To give the plant more light, I put a mirror next to each bush, and put a sheet of styrofoam under the pot in case of frost.
Optimal sowing time
The first harvest from a cucumber can be removed within 40 days after receiving shoots. I usually collect fruits from one bush within 5-6 weeks, so during autumn and winter I sow them several times - every 30-40 days.
Which varieties are suitable for winter cultivation
I will make a reservation right away that in order not to work as a bee myself, for sowing at home, choose self-pollinated varieties - early parthenocarpic hybrids. Also take a closer look at varieties that can grow with a small amount of light and do not promise to be tall, otherwise you will no longer see the light from the window.
Fundamental rules
When we have chosen a window, bought seeds, containers and soil, we can start planting.
In what container and soil to grow cucumbers?
It is more convenient for me to plant and care for cucumbers growing in containers. I know that some home-grown "gardeners" use containers from milk or juice, as well as peat cups for this. I buy land in the store. A universal primer will do.
Seed preparation
Cucumber seeds should be processed before planting. I do this in a soda solution. I take a teaspoon of powder in a glass of water, stir and drop the seeds. Anything that does not float is suitable for landing. Then I prepare a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate and leave the grains in it for half an hour. After this procedure, I take the seeds out onto a damp cloth and put them in a glass until sprouts appear. I spray the fabric from time to time to keep it always wet.
Landing
In a container with earth, I make holes 1 centimeter deep and 2-3 centimeters apart. I lower the seeds and carefully close them up. I moisten the soil and cover it with glass. You can use polyethylene instead. As soon as shoots appear, I remove the glass. When the plants have a couple of leaves, I transplant them to a permanent place.
Care features
In order for the cucumbers to please with the harvest, they will also have to be looked after.
Watering
I use warm water to moisturize. I do this often, as the batteries dry up the air and the earth. Watering is best done in the morning, condensation may appear on the bush at night, which provokes fungal diseases.
Temperature regime
In the room where cucumbers grow, the temperature does not drop below +18 degrees. If you blow from under the windows, they will have to be insulated, otherwise the harvest will not be seen.
Correct lighting
The plant needs about 14 hours of light per day. Naturally, in the winter I have to use a special lamp that lengthens the day. It hangs about 40 centimeters from the tops of the plants. For full growth, the plant needs at least 12-14 hours of lighting per day. Therefore, in winter, when the daylight hours are short, lamps are used for additional illumination. They are installed at a distance of 30-40 cm from the tops of the plants.
Fertilization and dressing
After the second true leaf appears, I begin to slowly nourish the plants. For this I use ash, buy complex compounds and humates. I dilute industrial fertilizers according to the instructions on the package, and from the ash I make an infusion (per liter 100 grams).
Tying
So that the plants do not shade each other and there is an influx of air, they will have to be tied up. I do this using a nylon cord, which I tie to a support installed in the container. I also put a trellis. To do this, I screw the ring to the slope and tie a rope, the other end of which I attach on a peg in the pot. As the bush grows, I fix the lashes on the cord with plastic clips.
Harvesting rules
The first ovaries appear on the plant in 40-50 days. In order not to weaken the bush, I remove them. I believe that first the lashes should get stronger, which will allow you to get more harvest in the future. When the main fruiting begins, I pick the cucumbers about once every three days. If this is not done, then the bush will stop blooming, and fruiting may stop.
Conclusion
I grow cucumbers on the window from September to June. It's not difficult at all. The main thing is to choose the right variety and soil, and also not to forget about watering and lighting. Under such conditions, the harvest will be provided for you both in winter and early spring.
Read also: Let's figure out whether it is worth leaving the polycarbonate greenhouse open in winter or not.
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