On a hot summer day, nothing is more satisfying than the crisp crunch of a fresh, cool cucumber. They are useful for snacks, salads, and even cosmetics. Cucumbers can also be used to lightly flavor water. And at the end of summer, you can preserve the remaining harvest to enjoy throughout the year.
What month should cucumbers be planted?
How do you grow a cucumber from seed? – Image: Shutterstock When you plant cucumber seeds depends on where you intend to plant them. In March or April, cucumber seeds should be sown in a propagator. However, you can begin in February if your greenhouse is heated, and in May or June if you intend to sow the seeds outdoors.
Sow the cucumber seeds at a depth of 1cm on their sides in 7.5cm pots of seed sowing compost that drains well. Place the pots in a propagator or a plastic bag at 20 degrees Celsius until the seeds germinate. This typically takes seven to ten days. Once they’ve germinated, you can move them to a bright windowsill and grow them there until they’re big enough to be transplanted.
Several things to remember: Maintain a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Keep the compost damp but not drenched. Keep them out of direct sunlight; cucumber seedlings are susceptible to sunburn. Avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting plants.
Disease suppression – Cucumbers are susceptible to a variety of plant diseases, including powdery and downy mildews, as well as botrytis. These fungal diseases thrive in humid conditions, and the closer together your plants are, the less air circulation there is around them.
Can cucumbers be planted throughout the year?
Difficulties of Growing Cucumbers Indoors – Although it is possible to cultivate cucumbers at home or in a greenhouse, there are a number of obstacles involved. One is the increased cost of plant cultivation. If you run multiple full-spectrum grow lights for 12 hours a day, seven days a week, your electric bill will increase.
- Another difficulty is maintaining the proper plant temperature.
- The optimal soil temperature for cucumbers, according to the, is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
- Ideal daytime air temperatures range from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be difficult to achieve indoors during the winter and fall unless you crank up the heat.
If you truly enjoy cucumbers, the additional difficulties associated with growing them indoors may be worthwhile. Even if you live in a region with cold winters or have limited outdoor space, you’ll be able to grow cucumbers year-round. by means of a permit: Notes on Indoor Cucumber Cultivation – Proper Rooting
