Step-by-step instructions for novice gardeners: how to water cucumbers correctly
The cucumber is native to the humid tropical and subtropical regions of India. At the foot of the Himalayas, it is still found as a wild plant. The habits of the ancestors have been preserved in the modern cultivated vegetable: high humidity and warmth are vital for it.
How to water cucumbers correctly, how to organize irrigation and what are the tricks of experienced vegetable growers - read the article.
The content of the article
The importance of watering cucumbers correctly
Cucumber is a crop demanding for the quantity and quality of moisture... Irrigation errors often lead to a decrease in the yield and its quality.
Due to the lack of moisture, the cucumber ovaries crumble, and the remaining fruits are bitter.
Excessive irrigation causes black leg damage to seedlings... In particular, the root system of the plant suffers from waterlogging. Small roots die off, root rot develops.
Watering rules
The frequency and intensity of soil moisture under the vegetable depends on the weather... On hot days, it is recommended to water in the morning and evening using the sprinkler principle. At the same time, the one-time moisture rate is reduced by 2 times.
When it gets cold and in rainy weather, irrigation is stopped. Watering is resumed after the topsoil dries out.
Norms at different stages of development
The need for moisture at different stages of vegetable growth is not the same. Experienced gardeners recommend adhering to the following scheme:
- Young plants require moderate watering. The procedure is carried out once every 5-6 days, pouring out 4-5 liters of water per 1 m2.
- During flowering, the vegetable needs more water. The bushes are irrigated every 2-3 days, 6-9 liters per 1 m2 landings.
- During fruiting, cucumbers are abundantly watered every other day, 9-12 liters per 1 m2.
Council. At the very beginning of the formation of cucumbers, you should dry the soil a little and skip one of the next waterings. This will restrict the growth of the leaves and direct the forces of the plant towards setting the ovaries.
Water requirements
Water for irrigation of cucumbers must be defended and heated... For example, a barrel is filled in advance and left in the sun. Thanks to this, the liquid is heated to optimal values (from +20 ° C to +25 ° C).
Using cold water (below 15 ° C) will cause root rot.
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Watering time
It is best to irrigate cucumber beds in the morning or evening.
The morning watering time is calculated so that droplets of water falling on the foliage managed to dry out to the sun. Otherwise, the delicate leaves will get burned.
In the evening, watering cucumber beds is recommended for 2-3 hours before sunset, so that the moisture is completely absorbed before the night cold snap.
How to water
Cucumbers have roots close to the soil surface, so they cannot be watered at the root.... The soil is moistened to a depth of 12-14 cm. Water is poured out gradually as it is absorbed, holding the container or hose not high above the ground.
Irrigation is best done from a watering can or spray... So the earth will not be covered with a dense crust and the roots will not be exposed. Hose irrigation is recommended to be carried out along the furrows between the beds, while the stream should not be too strong.
If, with inaccurate irrigation, the roots are bare, the bushes must be immediately spud up to the cotyledonous leaves.
Watering methods for cucumbers
You can organize watering a vegetable in different ways.... The choice depends on the characteristics of the site, the budget and the wishes of the summer resident.
Along furrows
This method is applicable on relatively flat areas.... Furrows 15-20 cm deep are cut along the slope at a distance of 80-100 cm from each other. The resulting depressions are filled with irrigation moisture. The next watering is carried out when the water is completely absorbed into the soil.
Such the method is not expensive, but not suitable for areas with uneven terrain.
Sprinkling
When sprinkling, water under pressure is ejected from the sprinkler and in the form of small drops falls on plants and soil. The method is most suitable for irrigating cucumbers, as it is close to natural rain. The soil is moistened evenly, the microclimate in the garden improves. This reduces the water consumption.
Sprinkling is convenient for areas with steep slopes and difficult micro-relief... However, it requires the cost of installing equipment and providing the process with energy.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is carried out through a special systemequipped with a pump and a network of perforated pipes.
Seedlings are planted in close proximity to the holes... The pump builds up pressure in the pipes and water flows to the stems and roots of the plants. The liquid is supplied to the cucumber bushes around the clock. Due to its very small amount, the soil is not waterlogged and the plants absorb moisture completely. Drip systems are used both outdoors and in greenhouses.
The disadvantages are the complexity of the system, the cost of equipment, installation and electricity.
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Features of watering in the open field and greenhouse
The rates and basic rules for watering are similar when growing cucumbers in greenhouses and in open beds.
The greenhouse must be ventilated after irrigation.to avoid high humidity and, as a result, putrefactive lesions of cucumbers. The procedure is best done in the evening. In closed conditions, the risk of over-watering is higher, so drip irrigation will be the best way.
In the open field, with frequent watering, a dense crust forms on the ground, which prevents the penetration of moisture in the future. Therefore, after irrigation, it is recommended to loosen or mulch the soil. This will keep it hydrated for longer and the roots will receive enough oxygen. In cloudy weather, before watering open beds, it will not be superfluous to make sure it is necessary. An excess of liquid will not benefit the plants.
Helpful hints
Experienced gardeners share their tricks of watering cucumbers. Here are some helpful tips:
- If for some reason the next watering is missed, next time it is better to slightly reduce the moisture rate and gradually bring it to the usual amount.
- It is convenient to water cucumbers using plastic bottles dug into the ground. Several small holes are made in the bottom and the bottle is buried upside down into the ground to a depth of 10-15 cm. The container is filled with water through the neck. The liquid will gradually pour out and provide drip-like watering.
- If there are fruit trees on the site, cucumbers can be planted in a near-trunk circle at a distance of about 1.5 m from the trunk. A guide mesh is thrown over the tree branches. Plants themselves will choose where it is best to grow: in the shade, partial shade or in the sun.
Conclusion
Proper watering is the key to plant health and a good harvest. Cucumbers require abundant and frequent hydration, especially during the period of active fruiting. For irrigation, warm settled water is used. The vegetable is not watered at the root due to the shallow location of the root system. When exposed, the roots are sprinkled with earth.
You can water from a watering can, from a hose along the furrows, by sprinkling.In greenhouses, a drip irrigation system will give the best result. Vegetables provided with the required amount of moisture will delight you with sweet crunchy fruits.