Step-by-step instructions for beginner gardeners: how to water cucumbers correctly
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: it vitally needs high humidity and warmth.
How to water cucumbers correctly, how to organize irrigation and what tricks experienced vegetable growers have - read the article.
The importance of proper watering of cucumbers
Cucumber is a demanding crop in terms of quantity and quality of moisture.. Errors in irrigation often lead to a decrease in the yield and its quality.
Due to lack of moisture, the ovaries of the cucumbers crumble, and the remaining fruits become bitter.
Excessive irrigation causes blackleg damage to seedlings.. The root system of the plant especially suffers from waterlogging. Small roots die off and root rot develops.
Watering rules
The frequency and intensity of soil moisture under the vegetable depend on the weather. On hot days, it is recommended to water in the morning and evening using the sprinkling principle. The one-time moisture requirement is reduced by 2 times.
When it gets colder and in rainy weather, irrigation is stopped. Watering is resumed after the top layer of soil dries.
Norms at different stages of development
The need for moisture at different stages of vegetable growth is not the same. Experienced gardeners It is recommended to adhere to the following scheme:
- Young plants require moderate watering.The procedure is carried out once every 5-6 days, pouring 4-5 liters of water per 1 m2.
- During flowering, the vegetable needs more water. Irrigate the bushes every 2-3 days with 6-9 liters per 1 m2 landing
- During the fruiting period, cucumbers are watered abundantly every other day, 9–12 liters per 1 m2.
Advice. At the very beginning of the formation of cucumbers, you should dry the soil a little and skip one of the regular waterings. This will limit the growth of leaves and direct the plant’s forces to the formation of ovaries.
Water requirements
Water for irrigating cucumbers must be settled and heated. For example, a barrel is filled in advance and left in the sun. Thanks to this, the liquid will warm up to optimal values (from +20 °C to +25 °C).
Using cold water (below 15 °C) will lead to 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 that fell on the foliage managed to dry before the sun began to shine. Otherwise, the tender leaves will get burned.
In the evening, it is recommended to water the cucumber beds 2-3 hours before before sunset, so that the moisture is completely absorbed before the night cools.
How to water
Cucumbers have roots close to the surface of the soil, so they cannot be watered at the root level.. 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 low above the ground.
Irrigation is best done using a watering can or sprayer.. This way the earth will not be covered with a dense crust and the roots will not be exposed.It is recommended to water from a hose along the furrows between the beds, and the stream should not be too strong.
If the roots are exposed due to careless irrigation, the bushes must be immediately hilled down to the cotyledon leaves.
Methods of watering cucumbers
You can organize watering vegetables in different ways.. The choice depends on the characteristics of the site, the budget and the wishes of the summer resident.
Along the 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 is not suitable for areas with uneven terrain.
Sprinkling
When sprinkling, water is released under pressure from the sprinkler and falls in the form of small drops onto plants and soil. The method is most suitable for irrigating cucumbers, as it is close to natural rain. The soil is moistened evenly, and the microclimate in the garden improves. This reduces water consumption.
Sprinkling is convenient for areas with large slopes and complex microrelief. However, it requires costs for installing equipment and providing energy for the process.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is carried out through a special system, equipped 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 does not become waterlogged and the plants absorb moisture completely. Drip systems are used both in open ground and in greenhouses.
Disadvantages include the complexity of the system, costs for equipment, installation and electricity.
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Features of irrigation in open ground and greenhouses
The norms and basic rules of watering are similar when growing cucumbers in greenhouses and open beds.
The greenhouse must be ventilated after irrigation.to avoid high humidity and, as a result, putrefactive lesions of cucumbers. It is better to carry out the procedure in the evening. In closed conditions, the risk of overdoing watering is higher, so drip irrigation is the best method.
In open ground, 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 way it will be moistened longer and the roots will receive enough oxygen. In cloudy weather, before watering open beds, it will not be superfluous to make sure that it is necessary. Excess liquid will not benefit the plants.
Useful tips
Experienced gardeners share their tricks for watering cucumbers. Here are some useful tips:
- If for some reason the next watering is missed, next time it is better to slightly reduce the amount of moisture and gradually increase 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 bottom of the bottle is buried in 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-type watering.
- If there are fruit trees on the site, cucumbers can be planted in a circle around the trunk at a distance of approximately 1.5 m from the trunk. A guide net is placed over tree branches. Plants will choose where it is best to grow: in the shade, partial shade or sun.
Conclusion
Proper watering is the key to healthy plants and a good harvest. Cucumbers require abundant and frequent moisture, especially during the period of active fruiting. Warm, settled water is used for irrigation. The vegetable is not watered at the root due to the shallow location of the root system. When exposed, the roots are covered with earth.
You can water from a watering can, from a hose along the furrows, or by sprinkling. In greenhouses, the best results will be achieved by a drip irrigation system. Vegetables provided with the necessary amount of moisture will delight you with sweet, crunchy fruits.