Recommendations for planting cucumber seeds in open ground in July

The familiar and beloved cucumber was brought to Russia only in the 16th century. The homeland of the vegetable is the foot of the Himalayas. There, this plant is still found in the wild.

At least once, probably every gardener tried to cultivate cucumbers on his site. Traditionally, seedlings are grown at home in May, and then when the heat comes, the plants are planted in a permanent place. Planting cucumbers in open ground with seeds in July is an unusual and new thing for our compatriots. We will tell you in detail how to plant cucumber seeds in the middle of summer and take care of the plantings.

Advantages and disadvantages of late sowing

Sowing cucumber seeds in July will provide you with crisp fresh fruit before the frost arrives.

Late sowing has several advantages:

• when the first shoots appear, it is no longer so hot, but it is still warm enough for formation and ripening of fruits;
• cucumber seeds are distinguished by fast germination;
• rational use of beds, freed from early vegetables and herbs.

However, this growing method has a number of disadvantages, namely:

1. Unpredictable weather conditions. An early cold snap will lead to the fact that all work will be wasted.
2. Only early-maturing varieties can be planted. Mid- and late-ripening will not have time to ripen before the onset of cold weather.
3. Soil used after growing other crops should be enriched with nutrients.

Suitable varieties for sowing in July

For planting in the middle of summer, preference is given to early varieties and hybrids with a growing season of up to 50 days. Cucumber culture is very thermophilic, therefore, when planting seeds in July, they choose a variety that will have time to yield a harvest before the onset of cold weather.

Attention! When planting in open ground in the middle of summer, take into account one more factor - the survival rate of the variety in your area and maximum adaptation to the climatic conditions of the region.

By choosing the right variety, you will get a stable harvest that will not suffer from diseases and adverse weather conditions.

Here are a few popular early varieties and hybrids suitable for sowing and outdoor cultivation in mid-summer:

1. Altai early 166... Early ripening fruitful variety. Zoned back in 1958, but is still popular among gardeners. The first harvest is removed in 37-40 days from the moment of emergence. Resistant to diseases of fungal origin and cold snaps. The fruits are medium-sized - on average 10 cm in length.
2. Herman F1. Self-pollinated fruitful hybrid. The first fruits are harvested 40-45 days after germination. A distinctive feature of the hybrid is a long fruiting period. Resistant to cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildew.
3. Muromsky 36. One of the earliest ripening varieties - the first crop is harvested in 32-42 days. Fruit length - 7-10 cm. It actively bears fruit for about 4 weeks. Ripe fruits turn yellow quickly, so you need to harvest regularly.
4. Moscow dude F1... Precocious bee-pollinated hybrid. The fruits ripen 40-45 days after germination. Cucumbers reach 10-12 cm in length. Differs in resistance to bacteriosis and spotting.
5. Finger... Bee-pollinated variety. From emergence to the beginning of fruiting, 42-45 days pass. Cucumbers reach 10-14 cm in length. The variety is resistant to downy mildew. Differs in long-term fruiting - up to 60 days.
6. Valdai F1. Bee-pollinated hybrid.Fruits ripen in 48-50 days from the moment of germination. The plants are vigorous, resistant to unfavorable growing conditions. Fruits are cylindrical, 10-12 cm long. The hybrid is specially bred for processing.

Features of the July sowing

For sowing in July, beds are used that have been freed from greens and early vegetables. Plots where early ripening potatoes, radishes, lettuce, winter garlic used to grow are well suited. It is enough to dig up the soil and remove plant residues.

In the Urals and Siberia, it is preferable to plant cucumbers in July using seedlings. To do this, at the beginning of summer, seeds are sown in separate cups, previously soaked in a damp cloth for several days. The glasses are filled with fertile potting soil.

In the Moscow region and in the south of Russia, direct sowing of cucumber seeds into the ground is used (non-seedling method)... To protect the shoots from the sun's rays and dry winds, the beds are placed in the partial shade of tall plants.

Council. To get a guaranteed harvest of cucumbers by the fall, plant them in 2-3 stages with a break of 2 weeks.

After planting in open ground, it is good to cover the seedlings with non-woven material for the first time. This will protect delicate young plants from temperature extremes and daytime heat.

Open ground planting technology in July

The technology of planting cucumbers in open ground in July is similar to the technology of spring planting. Preparation for sowing begins with processing the site.

Soil preparation

All plant residues are removed from the selected bed... The soil is dug to the depth of the shovel bayonet, while at the same time bringing in the matured compost or peat mixture. Rotted mullein is used as fertilizer. 1-2 buckets of organic matter are added per 1 m².

Of the mineral fertilizers, double superphosphate, potassium magnesium and ammonium nitrate are used. Instead of certain types of mineral fertilizers, the complex "Nitroammofoska" is also used.

Seed preparation

Seed material is sorted, empty and small specimens are rejected. The selected seeds are disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then washed and dried.

To improve germination, they are warmed up in a warm place for several days and then left for 12 hours in the "Nitrofoski" solution. The washed seeds are germinated in a damp cloth or wet sawdust. After the sprouts appear, they are ready to be planted in seedling cups or directly into open ground.

Landing methods and schemes

With the seedling method When growing, the seeds are sown in separate containers filled with a nutritious soil mixture.

With a seedless sown directly into open ground.

The seeds are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm. The plantings are watered abundantly by sprinkling. Transplanting seedlings is carried out in cloudy weather or in the evening to prevent damage to the leaves by the scorching sunlight.

Council. Sprinkle the crops on top with a mixture of finely ground black and red pepper. This will keep the sprouts from ants, slugs and mice.

Sowing in open ground is carried out in two ways:

1. Linear. Rows of 90-100 cm are outlined, grooves are made at a distance of 20 cm from each other. 2 seeds are planted in each hole. In the future, the weak plant is removed.
2. Gnezdov. Square nests are marked - 60 × 60 cm or 70 × 70 cm.The seeding rate is 3-4 pieces. Subsequently, 2-3 strongest plants are left in the nest.

Summer cucumber care

Caring for cucumbers planted in July is generally the same as caring for spring plantings. The beds are regularly watered, loosened the ground, and removed weeds.

For glaze cucumber plantings use warm, settled water. It is desirable that its temperature be at least + 25 ° C. Watering with cold water not only inhibits the development of plants, but also provokes the development of diseases.

Watering is carried out either early in the morning or in the evening. Water is poured under the root of the bush, avoiding drops of moisture on the leaves and lashes.

The next day after watering or rain, the soil is loosened.This prevents the formation of a crust on the surface of the earth, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the root system. Along the way, weeds are removed, taking food and moisture from the sprouts. After regrowth of 2-3 true leaves, the plants are spud.

It gets cold at night in the second half of August. Therefore, at night, the beds are covered with agrofibre or plastic wrap.

Conclusion

Planting cucumbers in July makes it possible to rationally use the beds that have been freed from early crops. To do this, choose early varieties and hybrids that will have time to give a crop before the onset of cold weather. The right choice of seeds and proper care will provide you with fresh vegetables until fall, as well as prepare delicious pickles for the winter.