FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO GROW CUCUMBER SUCCESSFULLY
- Climate and soil requirements: Cucumber is a warm-weather crop that grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Seed sowing: Sow cucumber seeds directly in the soil or in a seed tray. The seeds should be sown 1-2 cm deep and spaced 30-45 cm apart. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 5-7 cm, thin them to one plant per pot or hole.
- Sunlight and watering: Cucumber requires full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Water the plants regularly, especially during the early growth stages. Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Cucumber plants require regular fertilization to produce healthy leaves and fruit. Apply organic manure or compost at the time of planting and every month thereafter.
- Trellising: Cucumber plants are climbing plants and need support to grow. You can provide support by trellising them on a fence or stakes.
- Pest and disease control: Cucumber is susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. Use organic pesticides to control these pests and diseases.
- Thinning: Thin the plants regularly to ensure each plant has enough space to grow. Cucumber plants should be thinned to about 30-45 cm apart.
- Harvesting: Cucumber takes about 50-70 days to mature. The fruit is ready for harvesting when it is about 15-20 cm long. You can harvest the fruit multiple times by cutting it from the stem. It is important to harvest regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit.
HOW TO GROW CUCUMBER IN GROW BAGS
In grow bags, the process is similar to growing in a home garden. Make sure the grow bags have good drainage and provide enough depth for the roots to grow. The same soil, sunlight, and watering requirements apply, but you may need to water more frequently as the soil in grow bags can dry out quickly.