Proper feeding of cucumbers is an essential step to ensure a successful harvest.
Neglecting this phase can result in stunted plant growth and slow development, resulting in the production of unsatisfactory fruits unsuitable for salting, poor taste and twisted shape.
To ensure optimal growth and development , it is important to understand how and what to properly fertilize cucumbers.
In addition, the growth of the plant tends to slow down and the roots undergo progressive deterioration.
When the soil is deficient in potassium, cucumbers become susceptible to a variety of diseases, resulting in bronze-colored leaves and a noticeable brown border around the edges .
The presence of light green spots on the lower leaves of a plant is a sign of magnesium deficiency. If this deficiency persists, the leaves will turn yellow and eventually break off the plant.
Low yield of cucumbers may be due to a delay in their ripening, possibly due to a lack of manganese.
However, if this element is present in sufficient quantities, cucumbers undergo a process of intensive respiration and effectively absorb important nutrients .
Cucumbers: When should they be fed?
Knowing when to feed cucumbers is important to ensure optimal growth and yield. It is better to fertilize cucumbers two weeks after planting and once a month thereafter.
Cucumbers should be provided with food at certain intervals. The first feeding is carried out after sowing in the ground for a period of two weeks.
The second feeding should be carried out as soon as the cucumbers have bloomed. The moment when the plants begin to bear fruit marks the third feeding period .
The last one, carried out by gardeners interested in extending the life of their plants, is the fourth and final stage of the feeding process.
What is needed for nutrition?
To properly feed and care for your cucumber plants, certain specific requirements must be met. First, cucumbers need a constant supply of nutrients , especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Furthermore, they require well-draining soil rich in organic matter , such as compost or well-decomposed manure. Proper and consistent watering is essential, as cucumbers are sensitive to drought stress.
Finally, it is important to watch out for pests and diseases that commonly plague cucumber plants, such as cucumber beetles and powdery mildew, and to take appropriate preventative measures to ensure a healthy and productive harvest .
When it comes to feeding plants, relying on traditional remedies can be very beneficial. Some of the most effective solutions for this purpose are:
- Eggshells have proven to be an excellent source of nutrients for cucumbers. This fertilizer consists of 95% calcium carbonate, which is easily absorbed by the plant. Furthermore, the shells contain a wealth of essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus , organic proteins, and potassium, which contribute to soil enrichment.
- Wood ash is a particularly useful raw material for both pest control and the prevention of plant diseases. Its effectiveness is especially noticeable during the flowering period of cucumbers and the appearance of fruit .
- Onion skins can help cucumbers fight diseases and pests. They also have a positive effect on cucumbers’ ability to adapt to different environmental conditions. To feed cucumbers, make a decoction of onion skins. This can be done by boiling 100 g of onion skins in 1 liter of warm water and then letting it cool before using it as a watering solution.
Other feeding methods
The use of manure as fertilizer is crucial for those who want to grow a high-quality crop.
However, it is important to be careful and avoid excessive use of organic fertilizers, as this can lead to overgrowth of bushes and the formation of gaps inside the fruit.
The stimulation of bush and fruit growth can be attributed to the presence of yeast. This is because yeast contains vital trace elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for the nutrition of cucumbers.
However, it is important to ensure that the yeast solution is applied correctly. This should be done from mid-May to the end of summer, when the soil has warmed up considerably.
Potato peels are a valuable source of organic acids, fats, potassium, starch , vitamin C, glucose and salt.
When added to the soil, they significantly enrich its composition. In addition, during decomposition they generate heat, which promotes the growth of cucumbers .
However, it should be noted that potato peels also attract pests such as snails and Colorado potato beetles .
While this may seem like a disadvantage, it can be turned into an advantage by using them as bait to detect and eliminate these crop-damaging pests .
The use of folk remedies for feeding cucumbers has numerous advantages. These remedies are both affordable and easily accessible.
When it comes to providing nutrients to tomatoes and cucumbers, eggshells are much more effective than chemical alternatives sold in garden stores, while also being safer to use.
Popular spices have been tried and tested for years and have never failed, unlike prepackaged preparations that cannot guarantee the same success.
The best food for cucumbers? Eggshells
Cucumber farmers can benefit from using eggshells as a source of valuable trace elements.
These peels contain an abundance of useful substances and essential trace elements that are easily absorbed by cucumbers.
As a result, these microelements promote healthy growth and help cucumbers withstand difficult environmental factors .
Before eggshells are used as a food source, the shells should undergo a preparation process that includes washing, drying and thorough crushing.
This can be done by using a meat grinder, meat mincer or mortar. Attempting to break eggshells manually is a challenging and not recommended endeavor.
The usefulness of larger pieces of shell is reduced compared to shredded ones. In addition, shells that are too large run the risk of being damaged during weeding .
After the eggshell has been processed and ground, the fertilizer is now ready.
Next, the powder produced should be sprinkled under the roots during the weeding process .
This way, the crushed eggshells mix with the soil. This simple step completes the process.
