Cucumbers are a plant with a short growing season. To ensure successful growth and development, as well as obtain a rich harvest, it is important to prepare fertile soil saturated with a full range of macro- and microelements.
The basis of fertilizing for cucumbers is nitrogen, which promotes the formation of powerful vines and abundant fruit production. The ideal ratio for spring fertilizer is nitrogen 10%, phosphorus 7%, potassium 7%. Opinions differ on what should be added to the hole. Some people choose only environmentally friendly additives without the use of agrochemicals, others use store-bought mixtures.
Organic fertilizers
An organic replacement for nitrogen will be humus or nitrogen-containing herbal supplements. To increase soil fertility, you can use nettle bait. It is worth collecting other wild plants: clover, dandelion, celandine. The resulting mixture is poured into a hole 40–50 cm deep, sprinkled with compost, and mixed. It is important to additionally chop and water the mass, this will start the process of decomposition of the greens.
To provide the soil with potassium, pour boiling water over a glass of crushed potato peelings or banana peels.
Wood ash is excellent as a phosphorus fertilizer, which will simultaneously disinfect the soil.The applied mixture is covered with a layer of soil of at least 10 cm so that the young roots do not get burned. Organic bait will release heat and carbon dioxide to feed the plants.
Mineral (inorganic) fertilizers
Inorganic fertilizers contain all the necessary elements for the proper development and growth of plants. This type of additive consists of a set of mineral salts and is used in granular or liquid form.
To prepare a liquid solution for 10 liters of water you will need: 10 g of simple superphosphate, 15 g of potassium sulfate, 10 g of ammonium nitrate. The resulting composition is poured into each well, 0.5 liters.
Dry preparations are applied by mixing granules with soil. Manufacturers offer simple and complex formulations. For root development, experienced gardeners use granulated superphosphate. Adding urea will cover the plant's need for nitrogen. Potassium will ensure the quality of the product, so it is worth adding potassium nitrate to the well. A simpler option for fertilizing the soil is to use ready-made admixtures, such as ammophos, diammophos, azophoska.
The choice between organic and inorganic fertilizers remains with the summer resident; the main condition is compliance with the dosage. An excess of additives will lead to a decrease in the yield and quality of cucumbers. Preliminary preparation will have a positive effect on the results of the season, but do not forget about the need for subsequent fertilizing of the plants. Only an integrated approach will allow you to get the desired harvest.
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