The cucumber is an annual vegetable plant with deciduous foliage. Originally from Asia, this summer vegetable is rich in water and fiber beneficial for good intestinal transit. To benefit from the benefits of cucumbers and enjoy an organic harvest, consider growing them in your vegetable garden. To do this, discover the 6 important things to take into consideration in order to successfully sow cucumbers.
Cucumber is a refreshing vegetable. It can be eaten raw in a salad or with other raw vegetables. To successfully cultivate this vegetable plant and obtain a crunchy and juicy harvest , you must first successfully complete the sowing stage.
6 Tips to know for Successful Sowing of Cucumbers
To successfully sow cucumbers, you must take these 6 factors into account.
- Respect the cucumber sowing period
The cucumber appreciates being exposed to the sun and likes a temperate climate. That said, the ideal time to sow cucumbers is between March and May. If you want to sow the seeds in March, you must do so under a heated shelter. Only after the seeds germinate can you transplant the young plants into open ground. But this must only be done at the end of the frosts, i.e. from mid-May. In this case, be sure to keep a spacing of one meter between the plants.
Since cucumbers do not like cold and frost, you can only sow them in place, i.e. directly where they will be harvested, from mid-May. Plant up to 3 seeds per hole, making sure to maintain a spacing of one meter between plants.
- Choosing soil suitable for growing cucumbers
Cucumbers prefer well-drained, deep, loose soil, that is to say light, which has been previously worked. The cucumber also appreciates humus soil, which means soil rich in plant debris, and therefore rich in humus.
If you have chosen to start sowing indoors, fill the pots with good potting soil. The latter is characterized by its ability to retain water and nutrients, while being draining, in order to allow air to circulate around the roots. Plant up to 3 seeds per pot and cover them with about 2cm of potting soil.
- Keep cucumber seeds warm to encourage germination
To germinate, seeds need heat. Moreover, to successfully sow cucumbers in the ground, it is important to wait until the end of the frosts, so that the seeds have enough heat and sunlight. Concerning seedlings in pots, it is advisable to place the pots on a tray and place it above a household appliance that gives off heat, such as the refrigerator. Then cover the tray with transparent film to retain the heat. Note that seedlings need a temperature of around 20°C.
- Maintain humidity for successful germination of cucumber seeds
Seeds also need moisture to germinate. Moreover, if it is advisable to cover the pots with a transparent film, it is not only to retain heat, but also to preserve humidity. That said, remember to check the potting soil every day, and water it if necessary. However, avoid excess water, as this can rot the roots and cause young plants to wilt.
- Provide a light exposure for young cucumber plants
Cucumber seeds need light as soon as they begin to germinate. To do this, it is advisable to remove the transparent film that covers the pots, and place the tray under a fluorescent bulb, as the light from the window may not provide sufficient exposure for the young plants. Note that even seeds sown in place need exposure to full sun, in addition to being sheltered from the wind.
- Knowing when to prune and transplant young cucumber plants
Transplanting plants only concerns seedlings made indoors, in pots. When the young plants reach about 3 cm in height, prune those that seem weak to you, so that you only keep the vigorous plants in each pot. When the plants you have saved reach 5 cm in height, transplant them into the ground, in a sunny place in your garden.
What vegetables should you avoid planting next to cucumber?
While there are many vegetables that go well with cucumbers, there are also other unsuitable plants that can prevent them from growing, including: melons, brassicas (kohlrabi, cauliflower, kale), sage, fennel, potatoes.
By taking these 6 factors into account, you will successfully sow cucumbers, in order to obtain healthy and vigorous young plants, which will subsequently give an abundant harvest.
