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How important is pruning? cucumbers in a greenhouse? In the mid-temperate and temperate intercontinental zone, growing cucumbers in greenhouses is very common. In this regard, one of the most important stages affecting the growth and formation of high-quality set is the correct pruning of cucumbers in the greenhouse.
The essence of the problem
If, under normal conditions, gardeners carry out pruning periodically, then for cucumbers grown in greenhouses, it is required constantly. Since systematic pruning of cucumbers in a greenhouse is an obligatory criterion for success and the key to an excellent seasonal harvest for a summer resident.
When choosing how to prune cucumbers depending on the variety and characteristics of their cultivation, as well as the size of the greenhouse and the desire to grow fruits of the desired size, you first need to focus on the specific goal of the expected harvest. If you have any doubts or do not know how to properly prune cucumbers in a greenhouse, then it is advisable to use the services of experienced summer residents or specialists, otherwise, if the pruning is done incorrectly, the bush may simply die.
Technology for trimming cucumbers grown in greenhouses
Pruning cucumbers in a greenhouse helps to minimize the vegetative mass of the plant, i.e.directing the flow of nutritional components for optimal formation of the fetus and improving the quality of the sprout as a whole. Depending on the plant variety, time of cultivation and harvest, a detailed diagram, or, more precisely, a pruning method that gives growth and a bountiful harvest of cucumbers, is as follows:
- general pruning;
- lightening pruning.
General pruning of cucumbers is mainly needed for self-pollinating varieties (of which there are a predominant number), which it is advisable to grow with one stem. In this regard, before pruning the plant, it should be conditionally divided into 4 parts:
- The bottom of the whip is near the ground.
- A meter length of approximately 4 growth nodes.
- Half meter length.
- The very top.
Thus, the pruning process is carried out as follows: the bottom of the vine, during the formation of the sprout, is cleared of leaves touching the ground (including yellowed ones). In the second part of the plant, be sure to cut off the growing point and you will also need to carefully eliminate all existing barren flowers, leaving some leaves and about 3-4 normal, established flowers. Further, in the 3rd part of the bush, it will be necessary to provide no more than 3 sprout nodes with a maximum development of fruits of up to 4 pieces (other nodes can be left untouched). In zone 4, the bush is strengthened using fishing line or wire, followed by adjustment of the tendrils, which must be secured to the wire, and then thrown “checkerboard” along the trellis. This procedure for general pruning (shaping) of cucumber bushes in a greenhouse will ensure an even flow of light to all parts of the stem.
Lightening pruning of cucumbers in a greenhouse is mainly done for sick and weakened plants, when there are too many leaves or they have simply turned yellow, as well as when an excess ovary appears on the bush. That is, you need to reduce the number of leaves and leave about 5-6 ovary nodes.
Rules for pruning (shaping) cucumber bushes in a greenhouse
Despite the huge variety of varieties and types of cucumbers, the nuances of their cultivation, the general scheme for caring for the plant is as follows:
- It is advisable to carry out all procedures related to the direction of formation of the cucumber stem in the greenhouse (trimming tendrils and lashes, removing yellowed and dried leaves) early in the morning. In this case, the wound formed from the elimination of shoots, leaves or flowers will have time to dry out and heal within a day;
- It is recommended to remove (pinching) the plant very carefully and no more than 4-6 cm, i.e. trim the cucumber only where the growth point is located in order to avoid dangerous injury to the bush (up to and including stopping its growth and fruit set);
- In order for the cucumber to develop a strong root system and overgrown with leaves, to be ready for a high-quality ovary, it is necessary to eliminate not only the shoots from the axils of the first 5 leaves, but also the flowers formed there (preferably at a time when the bush is not yet going to bear fruit);
- During the harvest period, when forming cucumber bushes in a greenhouse, it is necessary to act very carefully and try not to disturb the location of the adult shoots, because the bush may subsequently turn yellow or even stop growing;
- At the end of fruiting, it is best to eliminate the cucumber shoots along with the cuttings in order to avoid “soaking” and the appearance of pathogenic microorganisms on the plant. In adult plants, it is necessary to regularly clean the lower withered or brown leaves.
These general instructions, which help to form a well-bearing plant in a greenhouse, as well as to properly trim cucumbers in a greenhouse, apply to almost all varieties and types of cucumbers grown indoors.
Meanwhile, it is not advisable to frequently change and breed new varieties and hydrides of cucumbers in greenhouses, since each variety has its own specific characteristics and aspects.
Many experienced and novice gardeners like to grow cucumbers in greenhouses or in the open ground on trellises; however, not everyone succeeds in achieving positive results and getting a bountiful harvest, because the plant requires knowledge in this matter and some secrets of proper care for it. Timely tying and shaping (pruning) cucumbers are one of the most effective techniques for growing a bush, which allows you not only to save space, but also to improve the illumination of the stems. In this regard, it is necessary to properly prune cucumbers in a greenhouse or in the open ground and form bushes especially carefully, while observing all the rules and other nuances of such a capricious plant.
