Content
Growing cucumber seedlings is a special process. Today, cultivation in tablets is gaining popularity. All gardeners and summer residents have encountered such material on store shelves among cups and seedlings, but perhaps they did not pay special attention to it. Are they as good as sales consultants say they are? Let's look into this issue.
What are the tablets
Cucumber is a whimsical crop, although many people think otherwise. It is in Russia that growing cucumbers is considered quite difficult, but at the same time, the number of gardeners who want to grow a rich harvest is only growing every year.
One of the most favorite ways to grow this vegetable crop is from seedlings. At first growing cucumber seedlings, and then, when the weather outside the window becomes warm and stable, they move it to open ground. You can also grow it in a greenhouse - it all depends on the weather in the region. And in this case, you can use seedling tablets. What are they?
This is pressed peat in the form of a large puck, which is enclosed in a natural mesh. This mesh is impregnated with fungicide, which protects the plant itself. Under the influence of water, the material increases 5-6 times.Some manufacturers replace peat with coconut fiber. Summer residents will not notice any particular difference in the quality of the product. These materials are interchangeable.
Pros of use
The advantages of growing in tablets are:
- the organic environment of peat is an ideal environment for cucumber seedlings;
- peat tablet retains moisture very effectively;
- growing in such a simple way is economical, simple and convenient;
- the material contains essential microelements that have a positive effect on growth rate;
- there is no need to apply fertilizers at the stage of planting seedlings;
- when transplanting, seedlings are not injured or sick;
- cucumber seedlings breathe well in such tablets, which is no less important;
- When germinated, seeds are protected from many bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Peat tablets come in different diameters for growing different seedlings.
This material is used not only for growing cucumbers; seeds of flowers, tomatoes, and other vegetables are placed in them. Despite all the advantages, the tablets also have a number of disadvantages.
Disadvantages of use
It is impossible not to mention the shortcomings of this material. Of course, they are few, but for some they are significant. Let's list everything:
- when growing cucumbers this way, you will have to use trays and glasses, and this is problematic for some;
- it is believed that there are more economical options for growing cucumbers and other crops;
- Tablets made from peat and coconut fiber dry out very quickly and must be carefully monitored.
For many, these disadvantages are insignificant, so the popularity of growing seedlings in tablets is only growing every year.Most often, they are paid attention to by those gardeners who are faced with problems growing cucumbers in poor-quality soil. The “black” leg destroys immature seedlings en masse, and this is very disappointing.
Use for growing cucumbers
Few people buy peat tablets just like that, without first familiarizing themselves with the topic. Let's study in detail how to grow cucumber seedlings in such conditions. It's quite simple. The process includes several stages:
- material selection and purchase;
- preparatory process;
- cultivation and care.
Material selection
Since several types of tablets are produced, you will need to choose exactly those that are ideal for cucumbers. What will you need to grow?
- the peat washers themselves;
- containers for them.
Washers are needed with a diameter of 40 millimeters and above. A small diameter will not work because the seedlings will be cramped in them. Another important nuance: cucumbers need a neutral pH environment, do not buy material with an acidic environment.
After transplanting the plant into the soil, the mesh impregnated with fungicide will not dissolve, which is very important. If you choose a small, low tablet, the root system of the cucumber will be very crowded, and the cucumber will not produce a good harvest. It's not worth saving on this.
As for pallets, you can use specialized ones or any others that are available.
The main thing is that there are no holes in the pan that allow water to pass through.
Preparing for sowing
This process is very simple. It consists in placing the purchased material in a tray and filling it with warm water. Under the influence of moisture, the peat washers will turn into a kind of cups in a mesh. They will increase almost before your eyes in a few minutes.
When soaking, the characteristic depression of each tablet should be on top. That's it, you can plant cucumber seeds.
Sowing and caring for seedlings
When the material is completely saturated, you can plant cucumbers. If there is water left, it is drained. Cucumber seeds can be used either pre-sprouted or straight from a package purchased in a store. One cucumber seed is placed in a hole and lightly pressed down: the depth of the seed is 1.5 - 2 centimeters, sometimes 3 centimeters, as indicated on the package.
There is no need to sprinkle anything on top, this is a common myth! Below is a video of planting cucumbers in this way.
You need to cover the material with a lid or just a film on top to create your own microclimate for the cucumbers. It's like a greenhouse. They place it in a warm place and from time to time observe the appearance of the first shoots of cucumbers.
Remember that the tablets dry out quickly, and cucumbers are very demanding when it comes to watering. The seedlings will be persistent if the gardener carefully monitors them.
People often ask about the timing of sowing cucumbers for seedlings. The fact is that cucumber seedlings do not like to stay in cups for a long time. You can keep it in tablets for 3 weeks, but no more than 4.
As for replanting, it is very convenient: you simply take a tablet with a cucumber plant and place it in the prepared hole. This is not only convenient, but also justified. If a cucumber plant is removed from the ground, it will affect the root system. The cucumbers will be sick for a long time after this and can easily die.
Conclusion
New ways of growing various crops are very popular today. They make life easier for summer residents and gardeners. Saving time and simplifying tasks is what everyone, without exception, dreams of.Today it is available, although it will cost a little more than standard growing methods.
Growing in peat tablets is one of the most convenient ways to grow plants. Try to use it, the effect will be positive.
