Cucumbers are a popular crop grown not only in open ground, but also in greenhouses. Cucumbers grown in this way begin to bear fruit early and are less likely to suffer from diseases. The main rule for a healthy and abundant harvest is fertilizing the crop. In order not to spoil the plant and get the desired result, there are a number of tips.
Fertilizer application methods
There are two ways to apply fertilizers: root and foliar feeding. Both methods are quite effective, but it is important to know when and which method is more suitable.
Root feeding of cucumbers is only permissible for healthy bushes. The result will not be visible immediately, but after a certain period of time. In order not to spoil the plant, you need to carry out the procedure correctly. Before applying fertilizing and after that, the soil must be watered. Otherwise, the fertilizer will be distributed unevenly.
Foliar feeding is carried out with diseased plants. Spraying the leaves should be carried out in such a way that the substance reaches the lower part of the leaf plate, where the stomata that absorb moisture are located.
Which fertilizers to choose
There are several types of fertilizers that can not only support the plant, but also destroy it.
Organic products include: cattle manure, chicken manure and herbal infusions.When adding these substances, it is important to follow the dosage, otherwise the crop may simply burn from the high concentration.
Constant use of mineral fertilizers is unacceptable. They must be alternated with organic matter. Mineral substances include: potassium nitrate, urea, manganese sulfate, superphosphate, potassium nitrate and others. When applying the substance, you must adhere to the dosage from the manufacturer. Otherwise, the plant dies.
Complex preparations are considered the most optimal feeding option. They can be purchased in specialized stores. Dosage is also important.
Fertilizing frequency
One-time application of fertilizing is ineffective. Therefore, there are certain periods for this procedure.
The first time you need to feed the cucumbers is after the first three leaves appear.
The second feeding is advisable during the period of mass flowering of the crop.
The third time fertilizer is applied during fruit formation.
Fertilizing the crop during the flowering period
To increase the formation of flower stalks, which will yield a harvest in the future, three microelements play an important role: potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. During this period, it will not hurt to introduce natural organic substances - bird droppings or mullein.
You can use an infusion of herbs, dilute it according to the following scheme: take one part of any herb, nettle is best, and two parts of water. Infuses for a week. The resulting solution is diluted with water: 1 part of the infusion and 5 parts of water, and water the plants with it.
Feeding cucumbers during fruit formation
During this period, it is important to follow the frequency schedule.The procedure is carried out in three stages.
Substances are added for the first time at the very beginning of cucumber formation. The best option for this period is a nitrophoska solution. It is diluted as follows: 1 tablespoon of the substance is diluted in 10 liters of water and applied under the root of cucumbers.
The second time the procedure is carried out two weeks later. During this period, an infusion of mullein with the addition of one spoon of potassium sulfate is most appropriate.
After 10 days, the procedure is repeated.
Fertilizing to extend the fruiting period
If the fruits begin to set poorly, this can also be corrected with the help of fertilizing. The foliar method is best suited. You can use the preparations “Zircon” or “Epin”, complex fertilizers or urea solution for this (15 grams of the substance are taken per bucket of water).
With proper feeding, cucumbers will delight you for a long time with their productivity and beautiful healthy bushes.
