Content
For the growth of cucumbers and obtaining a good harvest requires complex feeding. Its composition includes useful minerals of various ratios. In the greenhouse for cucumbers complex fertilizers are applied sequentially. At each stage of plant development, a certain set of minerals is required.
Particularly useful fertilizing before flowering and during fruiting cucumbers. Before planting, attention is paid to soil preparation. If the established proportions are observed, the cucumbers will receive nutrition for active growth, the appearance of inflorescences and tasty fruits.
Signs of Fertilizer Lack
If there is a lack of nutrients, cucumbers develop more slowly and turn yellow leaves and inflorescences fall off. Based on the nature of the negative changes, it is possible to determine which substances should be included in complex feeding.
Nitrogen deficiency is expressed by certain symptoms:
- the lower leaves turn yellow along the leaf veins;
- the growth of main stems and shoots stops;
- the fruits become lighter;
- cucumbers thicken at the stalk.
Potassium deficiency also has a number of manifestations:
- increased foliage growth;
- a yellow border is observed on the lower leaves;
- cucumbers take on a pear shape.
The following symptoms are characteristic of phosphorus deficiency:
- side shoots grow more slowly;
- new leaves are darker in color and smaller in size.
Calcium deficiency can be determined by a number of symptoms:
- flowers fall;
- the taste and quality of cucumbers deteriorates;
- leaves curl up.
When saturated nitrogen The flowering of cucumbers slows down, a thick stem and dark green leaves grow. Excessive phosphorus content leads to yellowing of cucumber leaves. Excess potassium interferes with the absorption of nitrogen, which slows down plant development. Excessive amounts of calcium provoke the appearance of spots on cucumber leaves.
Useful microelements for cucumbers
For full development, cucumbers need to be provided with high-quality nutrition. It is best to apply complex fertilizers that contain various microelements.
Nitrogen is most effective for cucumbers, potassium and calcium. Complex feeding will help in cases where it is difficult to determine by external signs what substances the cucumbers lack.
Nitrogen
The main microelement that ensures the development of cucumbers is nitrogen. A seedling is formed on its basis, so nitrogen is introduced into the greenhouse first.
Nitrogen serves as a component of proteins that participate in the formation of the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells. This element also forms organic compounds that are vital for plants.
To saturate the soil with nitrogen, a complex fertilizer is required, which additionally contains molybdenum and iron. Thus, nitrogen is transformed into a harmless form and does not accumulate in cucumbers.
Potassium
Potassium is responsible for the taste and appearance of cucumbers. In case of shortage of this element, the fruit takes on an irregular shape, since the substance is distributed unevenly throughout the tissues.
Plants direct potassium from the soil to the fruits, so its lack immediately affects the condition of the foliage.
Complex fertilizer for cucumbers includes potassium sulfate, which increases crop productivity. Another effect is to increase immunity in plants. The substance is completely soluble in water and is used for root feeding.
Calcium
Due to calcium, cell walls and membranes are formed. If it is deficient, the ovaries die and the fruits lose their taste.
Calcium is present in wood ash, so fertilizer based on it is considered one of the most effective for cucumbers.
The ash contains calcium carbonate, which affects the metabolic processes of the plant. Due to it, the speed of movement of substances increases and biochemical processes are normalized.
For complex fertilizers it is used calcium sulfate. It is also part of superphosphate, a common mineral fertilizer.
Phosphorus
Cucumbers require a small amount of phosphorus, however, its supply must be constant. The element is necessary for the growth of cucumbers, the formation of the root system, the setting and ripening of fruits.
Phosphorus is especially important when inflorescences appear. Therefore it is added to mineral fertilizer after planting cucumbers in the greenhouse.
Sulfur
Sulfur is often used as a complex fertilizer because it helps cucumbers absorb nitrogen. Sulfur is completely absorbed by plants, does not accumulate in the soil and does not oxidize it.
Types of complex fertilizers
Complex fertilizer can be obtained independently by mixing the components in the required proportions. All components can be purchased at a gardening store.
Various types of mineral fertilizers are supplied as a complex of substances, ready for use. For cucumbers, it is recommended to use nitrogen-based fertilizer.
Diammofoska
Diammofoska has the form of granules that are chemically neutral. The substances dissolve in water and are well absorbed by cucumbers.
This complex fertilizer is applied to the soil to a depth of 10 cm. The components are scattered on the surface of the soil between the cucumbers. Diammofoska is usually used after planting before flowering.
Diammofosk begins to act immediately after entering the soil. Nitrogen activates the growth of cucumbers, after which phosphates help them grow stronger. Then potassium promotes the absorption of phosphorus and increases the yield of cucumbers.
Ammofoska
Ammophoska is a complex fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. This is a universal substance that can be applied regardless of the time of year, except autumn.
Ammophoska is suitable for all types of soil. This fertilizer is especially necessary for regions with arid climates, where the need for cucumbers in nitrogen is especially high.
When using ammophoska, protective equipment is used for the eyes, hands and respiratory organs.If the substance gets on your skin, wash the area of contact thoroughly with soap and water.
Nitrophoska
Nitrophoska is an improved form of ammophoska. There are various versions of nitrophoska based on the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
The substance is available in granular form. For feeding cucumbers Nitrophosphate sulphate is used. Its composition additionally contains sulfur. Due to this, not only high-quality fertilizing is obtained, but also a substance that can repel pests.
If nitrophoska granules are used, they are introduced into the soil to a depth of 8 cm. To obtain a solution for irrigation, 40 g of the substance is required per 10 liters of water. Each seedling requires up to 0.5 liters of this solution.
Stages of feeding cucumbers
Feeding cucumbers includes several stages. There should be up to 10 days between each stage. Additionally, you need to prepare the soil for cucumbers in the autumn and spring.
Cucumbers require complex nutrition at the following stages:
- after planting the seedlings in a permanent place;
- before flowering;
- during the fruiting period.
If necessary, you can additionally fertilize if the plant lacks nutrients.
Autumn tillage
It is not recommended to grow cucumbers several times in a row in one place. In a greenhouse, this rule is much more difficult to follow. If you need to choose a location for the greenhouse, then preference is given to flat areas without shadows.
A layer of soil up to 10 cm thick, where harmful bacteria and disease spores accumulate, must be removed.The greenhouse premises are disinfected with a solution of copper sulfate or other substances.
In the fall, you can plant mustard in a greenhouse, which grows in about a month. This plant will later become a good fertilizer for the soil. Additionally, mustard serves as protection against pests.
The soil for the greenhouse needs to be formed in the fall. This requires equal proportions of the following components:
- peat;
- humus;
- turf soil or black soil.
Complex fertilizer is added to the resulting soil per 1 square meter:
- ash – 200 g;
- superphosphate – 1 tbsp.
After adding these components, the soil is dug up. The soil must have high fertility, allow air to pass through and absorb moisture.
Spring tillage
Planting cucumbers can be done early - from early to mid-May. This option is suitable for regions with warm climates. Late planting begins at the end of May and continues until the beginning of June.
Before planting cucumbers in a greenhouse, you need to prepare the soil and add a complex of fertilizers. The work is carried out a week before planting the cucumbers.
First, the soil is carefully dug up. Add complex fertilizer to 1 square meter of soil:
- ammonium nitrate – 10 g;
- superphosphate –30 g;
- potassium sulfate – 10 g.
To disinfect the soil, a solution of potassium permanganate is used (2 g per 10 liters of water). This solution is used to water the soil that has received complex fertilizer. Then the surface of the beds is covered with film and left for a week. After this, they begin planting cucumbers.
First, manure is laid, which is dug to a depth of 20 cm.Fresh manure with the addition of sawdust is applied to the resulting mixture. This creates an effective drainage layer.
The top layer of soil for cucumbers is compost up to 25 cm thick. After such preparation, the soil is enriched with complex fertilizer.
Fertilizers for seedlings
First, cucumber seedlings are grown, which are then transferred to the greenhouse. The seeds are first disinfected, then dried and planted in boxes. Soil is prepared for seedlings, consisting of peat, garden soil and humus.
Additionally, the soil is treated with a solution of potassium permanganate to eliminate harmful microorganisms. Then the soil is watered with warm water and dried.
Cucumber seeds are planted in the resulting soil. The first shoots appear after 3-5 days. Several cucumbers are planted in each container, then the strongest shoots are left.
Plants are transferred in warm weather. It is best to choose a cloudy day, morning or evening. The soil in the boxes and greenhouse must first be watered.
Ammophoska is placed in the finished hole. Its composition does not contain chlorine and sodium, which have an aggressive effect.
Then the cucumbers are carefully planted, covered with soil and watered with warm water.
Fertilizing during flowering
During the growth period of cucumbers, it is not necessary to apply complex fertilizer before flowering. If the seedlings develop well, then there is no need to use additional substances.
When cucumbers develop slowly, you definitely need to feed them.The first feeding is performed 2 weeks after transplantation.
The composition of the first feeding includes the following fertilizers:
- urea - 1 tbsp;
- superphosphate - 60 g;
- water - 10 l.
Another option for complex fertilizer contains the following components:
- ammonium nitrate – 10 g;
- superphosphate - 10 g;
- potassium salt – 10 g;
- water – 10 l.
You need to scatter diammophoska or ammophoska over the surface of the bed, and then loosen the soil. Thus, cucumbers will receive the nitrogen necessary for full development.
Additionally, organic fertilizers are used: slurry, chicken or cow droppings. You can add superphosphate to the mullein solution.
The second feeding is done before the cucumbers bloom. This is a mandatory stage of plant care, even if the first fertilizing was not performed.
The composition of the second make-up includes:
- potassium nitrate – 20 g;
- ammonium nitrate – 30 g;
- superphosphate - 40 g;
- water – 10 l.
Watering with complex fertilizer is carried out at the root of cucumbers. Up to 3 liters of solution are required per 1 sq.m of land. For complete feeding, organic fertilizer (infusion of green grass) is used.
Feeding during fruiting
During the fruiting period, cucumbers require an influx of nutrients. A complex fertilizer, including potassium and magnesium, will help provide it. The nitrogen concentration for such fertilizing is kept to a minimum.
Nitrophoska is applied after the appearance of the first fruits. Fertilizer is obtained by dissolving 1 tbsp. substances in 10 liters of water.
If nitrogen acts after applying fertilizer, then phosphorus compounds are activated after a few weeks.Potassium affects the taste of cucumbers because it helps produce plant sugar.
You can provide cucumbers with potassium by adding potassium nitrate. For 10 liters of water, up to 30 g of this substance is required. Potassium is supplied using fertilizer obtained by mixing a glass of ash and a bucket of water.
During fruit formation, additional mineral feeding is often required. Its goal is to prolong fruiting and increase the number of ovaries. A solution of food water has a beneficial effect on cucumbers. It is diluted in quantities of up to 30 g per bucket of water.
Conclusion
Complex fertilizers for cucumbers include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Cucumbers require feeding throughout their entire life cycle. Fertilizers can be applied at the soil preparation stage. In the future, cucumbers need a supply of nutrients during flowering and fruiting. The frequency of fertilizing depends on the condition of the plants.
A fertilizer with a complex effect can be obtained by mixing the necessary components. An easier way is to purchase ready-made substances. They contain useful components in the required proportions and are completely ready for use. When working with complex fertilizers, personal protective equipment is required.
