When cultivating cucumbers, I include ammonia in the list of means used for feeding. This drug also helps prevent and treat plants when pests and infections develop.
Ammonia replenishes the nitrogen deficiency necessary for the formation of strong stems and high-quality development of fruits. Top dressing is required at the stage of planting seedlings in the soil.
After the introduction of this drug, nitrates do not accumulate in the fruits, the acidity of the soil does not increase, and there is no negative effect on pollinating insects. Among the shortcomings, I can note the pungent smell of ammonia, high volatility. Care should be taken when preparing the solution.
Correct proportions, timing of introduction
When adding ammonia, I take into account that an excess of nitrogen should not be allowed, leading to the active formation of green mass, a decrease in yield, and the appearance of fungal infections.
Ammonium (10%) cannot be used in its pure form. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosages. The concentration of ammonia depends on the purpose of using the working solution.
Irrigation (20 ml of ammonia / 10 l of standing water) is performed three times:
- after the formation of 2-3 leaves on the seedlings;
- 10-14 days after transplanting seedlings;
- at the flowering stage.
I practice root dressing in the form of watering directly under the cucumber bushes in the following terms (the dosages of ammonia are indicated per 10 liters of liquid):
- cucumber seedlings (50 ml) - this is a universal solution;
- active flowering phase (90 ml);
- ovary formation (45 ml);
- when pronounced signs of nitrogen deficiency appear (120 ml);
- in order to prevent diseases (50 ml).
Feeding frequency
Benefits ammonia for cucumbers grown in a variety of conditions (greenhouse, garden beds, greenhouse).
Optimal treatment scheme:
- I begin to feed the cucumber plantings at the root after the formation of 4-5 leaves.
- Then the intensive formation of greenery begins. I add a universal solution weekly.
- After the ovaries appear, I use the solution twice a week.
- When cucumber bushes form strong stems, and the foliage acquires a rich green color, I practice feeding every 7-8 days with a universal solution.
Before the flowering phase and the fruiting stage, I reduce the number of treatments. If a lot of barren flowers appear, I practice feeding with ammonia every 3-4 days. To stimulate the formation of ovaries, I additionally use phosphorus fertilizers.
I determine the lack of nitrogen by crushing the leaf plates, thinning the lashes, a small number of ovaries.
Application from pests
I use ammonia with success if I notice dangerous pests on cucumbers. This drug saves from aphids, bears, spider mites. Effectively fights wireworm, whitefly.
- From aphids in a 10-liter tank of water, I dilute 50 ml of ammonia with the introduction of laundry powder soap (100 g). Re-spraying, if required, practice after 14-15 days.
- To save cucumbers from a bear or wireworm, I take 1 s for spraying on 10 liters of liquid. l. ammonia.
- If I notice a whitefly, then I take 10 ml of ammonia for a 10-liter container of water. I supplement the solution with liquid soap (1 tbsp. l.). In addition to irrigation with liquid, I wipe parts of plants with signs of damage. This procedure also helps against spider mites.
Disease prevention
I also use ammonia to prevent outbreaks of viral infections and bacterial diseases that are dangerous for cucumbers.
First, I cut out and burn the affected parts of the plants. Then I spray all the cucumber ridges (50 ml / 10 l). At the same time I water the soil under the bushes. I repeat the procedure with an interval of 12-15 days.
If I notice minor symptoms of a fungal infection, I halve the concentration of the working solution.
I choose calm dry weather for the procedures. I prefer the evening, but in the absence of excessive heat, I can process cucumber plantings early in the morning. For protection, I use tight, closed clothing, a cotton-gauze bandage, glasses, gloves. In the greenhouse I open the windows and doors.
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