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Vegetable growing in greenhouses is becoming more popular every year. This is noticeable in the number of new greenhouse farms. Given the popularity of cucumber as a crop, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the process of growing different varieties. Today we will talk about early cucumbers. These varieties have become very popular nowadays, as many gardeners try to grow crops twice per season.
Growing cucumbers in a greenhouse
Preparations for planting cucumbers in a greenhouse begin not in spring, but in early autumn. This process includes:
- cleaning the greenhouse from leaves and other debris;
- delete weeds;
- carry out soil disinfection;
- Mineral fertilizers and sawdust are added to the soil.
For disinfection, various solutions are used, of which there are many on sale. Can be successfully used as a fertilizer superphosphate and potassium chloride. Now you can form the beds and leave greenhouse until winter. It is also necessary to work during this period. If snow accumulates in the greenhouse, it must be removed.
Removing snow will allow the soil to freeze sufficiently. This is necessary to fight:
- with fungi and viruses;
- with soil insects;
- with diseases.
You can return to your greenhouse in early spring.You will have to disinfect the soil again, and then dig up the soil and form beds. Everything is ready for planting cucumbers. Which variety to choose is up to you; early ripening cucumbers are considered one of the most popular.
Variety selection
Let's start with the fact that all varieties of cucumbers can be divided into four groups according to the degree of ripening:
- ultra-early (earliest);
- early;
- mid-season;
- late.
The selection of early varieties is carried out primarily according to taste. Everyone likes certain types of cucumbers, with thin skin or thick skin, with or without tubercles. Please note that seeds can be divided into two groups:
- varietal;
- hybrid.
It is believed that hybrids bred by breeders are more resistant to diseases, pests and fungi. And also experienced gardeners note that hybrids are less demanding to grow and are the most resistant to changing climatic conditions. The method of pollination of plants is also of great importance. It can be a bee-pollinated variety or self-pollinated. When planting cucumbers in early spring, give preference to self-pollinating plants. The word “parthenocarpic” may be indicated on the packaging. This is very convenient, because the weather is unpredictable.
Parthenocarpic cucumbers are self-pollinating. It doesn't matter to them whether it rains or whether there are bees on your property. Moreover, the varieties will have to be planted in a greenhouse, where insects are reluctant to fly.
The only negative is the capriciousness of early parthenocarpic hybrids to a sharp drop in air temperature. Keep this in mind if you live in a cold climate. This is important for an unheated greenhouse.
Table of popular varieties
We list several of the most popular early varieties of cucumbers, ideal for growing in greenhouses. These include the following varieties:
- quite large hybrid "Makar";
- hybrid "Arina";
- medium-sized hybrid "Bukhara";
- variety "Zyatek";
- extremely popular hybrid "Courage";
- hybrid "Swallowtail";
- self-pollinating hybrid "Mother-in-law".
All these varieties are self-pollinating. The ovary is formed without the participation of insects.
Below is a table describing the varieties listed.
| Hybrid name | Greens length | Recommendations for planting |
|---|---|---|
| Makar | 14-19 centimeters | When planting, the soil should warm up to 10-12 degrees Celsius, planting depth 3-4 centimeters |
| Arina | 15-17 centimeters | When planting, the soil should warm up to 10-12 degrees Celsius, planting depth 3-4 centimeters |
| Bukhara | 11-14 centimeters | When planting, the soil should warm up to 10-12 degrees Celsius, planting depth 3-4 centimeters |
| Zyatek | 10-12 centimeters | When planting, the soil should warm up to 25-30 degrees Celsius, planting depth 2-3 centimeters |
| Courage | 13-16 centimeters | When planting, the soil should warm up to 10-12 degrees Celsius, planting depth 3-4 centimeters |
| Swallowtail | 7-11 centimeters | When planting, the soil should warm up to 10-12 degrees Celsius, planting depth 3-4 centimeters |
| mother-in-law | 11-13 centimeters | When planting, the soil should warm up to 25-30 degrees Celsius, planting depth 2-3 centimeters |
Due to their popularity, early varieties are very common today. The ones listed above are a small selection of what you can choose from. For beginners, it is better to choose common varieties.
Features of growing early varieties
Each early variety has its own characteristics. This is important to consider.However, all cucumbers are quite picky about soil and watering, and these rules are common to all. Below is a video with short recommendations for growing cucumbers in a greenhouse.
Ventilation of the greenhouse is a must.
Watering
Cucumbers love plenty of warm water. It’s good if it corresponds to the temperature of fresh milk. You can arrange abundant water procedures in the greenhouse. However, there is one important rule: at the beginning of spring, when it gets colder, watering is limited. Stagnation of water in the soil can lead to the development of fungus and plant death. This also applies to dew settling on the leaves. When temperatures drop, cover the plants with non-woven fabric until the sun warms up the greenhouse.
If it gets warmer outside every day, do not let the soil dry out. At the same time, do not allow the water to stagnate. This is also harmful.
The video describes in detail how to water cucumbers.
Top dressing
Let's talk about feeding. Any variety of cucumbers is demanding on soil fertility and the application of mineral fertilizers. It is for this reason that the soil is prepared in advance, sawdust, humus and various fertilizers are added to it. Initially, in the spring, one of two things is added to the soil:
- Compost.
- Rotted manure.
Additionally, fertilizer must be applied. After these procedures, seedlings are planted in the ground after 30 days. When feeding, remember:
- root - good in warm weather, they are produced in the evening when the sun is inactive;
- foliar, on the contrary, are produced on cold spring and summer days.
Many people use the standard feeding regime, which is familiar to many gardeners. Whatever variety of cucumbers you grow, this regime is equally good:
- the first - 15 days after planting in the ground;
- the second - at the moment of flowering;
- the third - at the moment of fruiting.
The video explains in detail about the root feeding cucumbers in the greenhouse.
Additional light and heat sources
Each variety of cucumbers is extremely demanding of heat. This vegetable’s dislike for watering with cold water and changes in air temperature is familiar to many summer residents. When growing this vegetable in Siberia and other areas, it is better to consider methods of additional lighting and heating in the greenhouse.
In the northern regions, any variety of cucumbers can only be planted in an unheated greenhouse at the end of May. This is why early ripening varieties are so popular in the regions. The seeds are illuminated with LED lamps for faster growth.
As for maintaining heat, there are different methods:
- dark bottles of water are placed between the beds, which accumulate heat during the day and release heat at night;
- add peat and sawdust to the soil, which warm the seedlings.
Following simple rules for growing early varieties of cucumbers will certainly lead the gardener to a rich harvest. Despite all the warnings, you can plant seedlings in an unheated greenhouse, considering all possible problems in advance.
