How to care for cucumbers in a greenhouse: advice of the gardener
The arrival of spring is always associated with the appearance of greenery and the riot of colors, as well as with fresh vegetables and fruits. Undoubtedly, cucumbers - one of the most popular products for salads and pickles. However, to grow in the open ground in the climatic zone of our country is not easy: seedlings may freeze, burn, rot. Therefore, more and more gardeners are growing vegetables in the greenhouse, covering the seedlings with plastic wrap, or in a greenhouse. Caring for cucumbers indoors has its own specifics, and now we will talk about it.
Ventilation of the room
The main task of the greenhouse is to create the most favorable conditions for the growth and development of cultivated crops, which include temperature and humidity. For favorable growth of cucumbers, the temperature should be within 17-20 °C, and during fruiting should increase to 25 ° C and more. In the case of low temperature, the greenhouse is heated.
But what to do, if the summer temperature in the greenhouse exceeds the limit 35 °C? The plants gradually begin to wither and die. In this case, be sure to take care of ventilation. With the help of windows or transoms, which must be located at the top of the greenhouse, it is possible to provide optimum ventilation in a hotbed. Properly made ventilation holes allow cold air, coming from outside, gradually mix with the hot air inside. The door must be closed, otherwise you can't do without drafts. You should also try to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Soil care
Properly selected soil - the key to future harvests. The soil for planting cucumbers should include sod land, peat, humus (or manure) in equal parts. Increased soil acidity should be neutralized by adding quicklime or chalk. Wood ash will not be superfluous in the soil, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Be sure to replace the top layer of soil before each new planting, disinfect the rest.
Watering mode
It is not enough to water the plant, be sure to choose the right watering regime. It is necessary to begin with quality of the liquid. The water should be warm and settled, 22-24 °C. Heating water, under no circumstances should it be brought to a boil. During the growing season cucumbers watered every few days, and when the plant begins to bear fruit - daily. You can water with watering cans, hose or greenhouse sprinklers. The method of spraying will be the most successful in this case: moisture will irrigate not only the whole plant, but also get on the walls of the greenhouse, thereby maintaining the level of humidity. The greenhouse must be completely closed during watering. Also try to choose a sunny time of day.
Fertilizer
Caring for cucumbers in the greenhouse is a bit more difficult in terms of nutrition. Since the amount of soil in the greenhouse is limited, then depletion occurs faster. Therefore, fertilize the soil once a week or three times a month. A solution of mineral fertilizers is used for root and foliar fertilization. In case of lack of lighting in the greenhouse in addition to mineral fertilizers need to provide the plant with trace elements. This is done with the help of foliar feeding. If you use superphosphates as fertilizer, then it must be prepared the day before use. Rusty nails will help provide vegetables with iron, buried in the ground.
Formation of cucumbers
Since greenhouses often do not have much free space, then grow cucumbers are not recommended for spreading, and with the help of wallpaper. This method is good not only for saving space, but also the ability to avoid disease, associated with waterlogging of the soil. When the seedlings grow enough, they are tied to the wallpaper with twine. You need to do it right this way, so that the twine is not too tight, otherwise it will damage the stems. Then you will need only periodically, as you grow, wrap a cucumber stalk around the twine. To form a bush you need to pinch the plant from time to time. Otherwise, many side shoots with leaves will appear, which will overshadow each other, which will definitely affect yields.
Pollination in the greenhouse
Caring for cucumbers in the greenhouse is also different, that it is not always possible to pollinate plants naturally. Of course, you can let pollinating insects through the vents. However, at certain times of the year the activity of insects decreases or for some reason it is impossible to ensure their access. In this case, the flowers are pollinated artificially. To do this, gently shake the pollen from the male flower on the female or transfer it with a small soft brush. In the process you need to watch, so that the pollen gets inside the female flower, and not around. Pollination is recommended in the morning. Humidity should be close 70%. Watch it, so that the flower was completely in bloom, and after pollination mark it. If everything is done correctly, then through 3 ovaries will appear.
Protection against pests
To avoid pest attacks, first of all before planting change and disinfect the soil. Aphids and whiteflies are most common in greenhouses. They suck the juice from the leaves, and the plant dies. In addition, the whitefly releases the substance, containing sooty fungus. Since the fruits will be eaten, fight pests better with biologics. Tincture with red pepper and tobacco dust is considered to be quite effective in the fight against aphids..
Caring for cucumbers in the greenhouse is more difficult, however, the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit all year round.
Video "How to grow cucumbers in a greenhouse"
In the video you will learn the secrets of growing world-famous vegetables in greenhouses.
