When cultivating cucumbers, I often use seedling technology. Given the sensitivity of this culture to transplants, I try to do without picks. I immediately select individual types of containers, taking into account their characteristics.
Peat cups
Immediately I get a low container where I will install peat pots. If I plan to grow a small amount of seedlings, then I immediately select cups with a diameter of at least 11-12 cm. Such a container is enough for 30-day stay of seedlings in it.
Although the peat walls conduct moisture well, I make small drainage holes at the bottom of the cups. To reduce the intensity of evaporation, I pour sawdust or soil into the spaces between the molds.
If you need to grow cucumbers in a limited area in an apartment, I buy cassette mini-greenhouses equipped with a transparent plastic cap. It creates good conditions for young seedlings.
Peat tablets
Unlike cups, when using peat tablets, you do not need to purchase or prepare a substrate.
Advantages:
- high breathability;
- rapid development of roots in a loose nutrient medium;
- transplant without damaging the stems and roots.
The tablet, made from compressed high-moor peat, retains its shape thanks to the mesh shell. Seedlings develop well in it, receiving the necessary useful compounds for 20-30 days.
I put the tablets (their optimal size for cucumbers is 8x3 cm) in a pan and fill it with settled water. After swelling, I place the hatched seeds in the central holes. If they are dry, then I plant 2-3 grains in each tablet. To reduce evaporation into the voids between the tablets, I fill the soil.
plastic containers
Among the varieties of more durable plastic containers, I use individual cups when I need to get a small amount of cucumber seedlings.
I find cellular containers more convenient. I prefer narrow containers, where the seedlings are arranged in two rows. This ensures sufficient light for all sprouts.
Mineral wool cubes
Among the innovative technologies, I drew attention to the possibility of using the hydroponics method with drip irrigation. It involves the use of an artificial substrate, the role of which is often played by mineral wool.
Advantages:
- repeated use of mineral wool cubes;
- ensuring control over root development;
- the absence of pathogenic microorganisms characteristic of the soil;
- extraction of seedlings during transplantation without damaging the stems and root processes;
- good friendly development of seedlings.
With the drip supply of moisture and nutrient solution, the development of root rot is excluded.
Pots from improvised material
If necessary, when sowing cucumber seeds, I use a variety of packages remaining from food products.
These can be laminated bags, in which dairy products are packed with a minimum volume of 500 ml, polyethylene (0.5-1 l) bags. I do not use paper forms, as they quickly become moldy.
I get a good result when sowing in plastic bottles. I first cut off the upper part of them and be sure to make drainage holes.
It is not difficult to grow cucumber seedlings at home if you immediately choose the right container, a high-quality substrate. I use different pots depending on the area that I can allocate for seedlings.
What molds do you use? Tell us about your preferences in the comments.
Read also: Convenient and nutritious. I tell you about the secrets of peat pots
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