Growing seedlings of cucumbers on the windowsill allows you to take care of it in a timely manner, as well as control its growth. For the full development of strong and healthy seedlings, not only heat and an abundance of light will be required.
Seed selection
The speed of seed germination and the active growth of the crop depend on the quality of the planting material. For growing seedlings at home, I advise you to choose early and always self-pollinating varieties.
If you buy seeds for planting at a gardening store, then you should choose varieties adapted to home conditions and greenhouses. These include:
- Barnaul;
- Matrix;
- Frigate;
- Balcony miracle F1;
- Dragonfly;
- April;
- Courage;
- Ladoga;
- Zozulya;
- Cucaracha
- Sail.
I plant varieties Hercules or Ermine in the amount of 3-4 pieces. They are ideal as pollinators.
Seedling location
One of the prerequisites for the location of cucumber seedlings is the complete absence of drafts. I always place containers with seedlings on a window that I do not use to ventilate the room. Sudden changes in temperature are detrimental to young immature seedlings.
Cucumber is a heat-loving plant that needs abundant lighting. Therefore, I choose south windows. Before installing the containers, I cover the surface of the window sill with heat-insulating material so that the soil does not cool down from the cold and does not supercool the root system.
When growing seedlings of cucumbers, I always illuminate it with a special lamp. This allows seedlings to actively develop and not slow down in growth.
Seed preparation
High-quality seeds from hollow ones are easy to distinguish using a saline solution. In such a solution, good seeds settle to the bottom, the rest float on top. Do not forget to rinse the seed under running water after salt.
To protect seedlings from infections and fungi, I soak the seeds in a weak pink solution of potassium permanganate. For seeds purchased in the store, all processing recommendations are indicated on the package.
To reach 100% germination, I germinate the seeds before planting them in the soil. To do this, I moisten cotton fabric or gauze, folded in several layers, with a growth stimulator. I spread the seeds on it and keep it at a temperature of +25 ° C. After 3 days, the seeds with hatched sprouts are transferred to the ground.
Requirements for soil and containers
I have come to the conclusion that the best containers for growing cucumber seedlings are small disposable or peat pots. They allow you to transplant a plant into open ground without damaging its root system.
To prepare a suitable soil mixture, I use peat, sand, soddy soil and humus. All components are taken in equal proportions. Every 10 liters of soil obtained, I fertilize 30 ml of urea, a glass of wood ash and 50 ml of nitrophoska.
Planting seeds and caring for seedlings
Sprouted seeds are placed in moistened soil and sprinkled with soil on top, but so that the sprout peeks out of the ground. I spray the landing from the spray gun and cover the containers with a transparent film. In the room where the containers are stored, I maintain a temperature of + 25-27 ° C. As soon as the sprouts rise well above the surface, I remove the film.
I apply the first fertilizer when 2 leaves appear on the seedlings. I use 3 hours for this. l. nitroammofoski, dissolved in 3 liters of settled water at room temperature. Seedlings need a second top dressing after 14 days. As a fertilizer, I use the same solution as in the first case.
I always water at the same time in the morning. The need for irrigation is determined by the condition of the soil. Cucumbers need moist but not waterlogged soil. Excess moisture will cause root rot. I not only water the grown seedlings, but also spray them on the leaves.
The main conditions for growing strong and healthy seedlings of cucumbers are the climatic conditions in the room, a sufficient amount of moisture and light. I transplant seedlings into open ground only after the complete absence of frost and into warm soil. It is important for me to expand my experience in growing cucumber crops, I will be glad to read your advice and comments in the comments.
Read also: Convenient and nutritious. I tell you about the secrets of peat pots
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