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Cucumbers are one of the most popular and beloved vegetable crops in Russia by gardeners. It’s difficult to argue with this, and it doesn’t make much sense. Given the size of the Russian state, cucumbers are grown in a wide variety of climatic conditions. But, despite the fact that the plant is heat-loving, in fairly large areas of the country it is quite possible to grow cucumbers in open ground. The Leningrad region is no exception to this rule. But before we move on to describing the conditions of the region, it is necessary to once again recall the characteristics of cucumbers and their cultivation.
Cucumbers. Description and features
Cucumbers are an annual herb with a creeping or branching stem. Its length can be 2 meters. There are widespread varieties of cucumbers, which are characterized by a bush form. The root system of cucumbers is of the superficial type and extends no deeper than 1 meter, with most of it located 20-25 cm from the soil surface.
Cucumbers have a number of clearly defined properties, the main of which are:
- thermophilicity. This property explains that the best yield is achieved when growing cucumbers indoors. From which you should not at all conclude that open ground is not suitable for a plant such as cucumbers. Currently, plant varieties and hybrids have been bred that, with proper and competent care, are quite capable of providing a sufficient harvest when grown in open ground in almost any region of central Russia. But for this it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations and care requirements;
- need for feeding. Whatever the conditions of cultivation - in open ground or under various film coverings of greenhouses and greenhouses, cucumbers are always very dependent on properly produced and regular fertilizing;
- love of moisture. Everyone knows about this property of cucumbers. Regular and frequent watering is one of the necessary conditions for successfully growing cucumbers. Of course, in no case should you allow excessive moisture, but it is much less common than lack of moisture for cucumbers;
- short photoperiod of the plant. For normal and successful development and growth, cucumbers need only 10-12 hours of daylight, of course, provided that other conditions for their cultivation are met.
Features of the conditions of the Leningrad region
Before talking about growing cucumbers in open ground in the Leningrad region, you should definitely take into account that this is a fairly large region, and the gardening conditions in its north and south are very different. Based on this, it can be unequivocally stated that growing cucumbers in open ground in the northeast of the region is unproductive.At the same time, this type of vegetable growing is quite accessible in fairly large areas of the Leningrad region, namely in its southern and central parts.
It should also be taken into account that a yield of 5-8 kg can be considered a good result when growing cucumbers in open ground in the Leningrad region. fruits per 1 sq.m.
Another feature of regional conditions is the strong temperature and climate differences between years. Thus, in the Leningrad region, at least 1 year out of 5 consistently brings a long spring and cold summer, which has an extremely negative impact on the yield level of cucumbers.
We should not forget, taking into account the above, that the region of the Leningrad region is rightfully considered an area of risky agriculture.
Ways to increase yield
There are several different methods, used in practice with varying degrees of success, that can minimize the risk of crop failure when growing cucumbers.
- Simultaneous planting of 3-4 different varieties or hybrids of cucumbers, which are intended for open ground. Under no circumstances should you think that if one variety produced an excellent harvest in a certain year, this situation will be repeated in the future. For planting, it is necessary to choose cold-resistant varieties zoned for the Leningrad region. The following key characteristics of cucumber varieties are disease resistance and relative early maturity (the best option is up to 45 days). In the conditions of the Leningrad region, it is not possible to wait for late varieties to ripen.
- Use of self-pollinating and parthenocarpic varieties of cucumbers. Usually their use is recommended for greenhouses and greenhouses, but in the conditions of the northern regions it also makes sense.The reason is the small number of sunny days when insects are most active. On rainy and cloudy days, the rhythm of their life activity decreases, which leads to problems with pollination. At the same time, it is not worth completely excluding insect-pollinated cucumbers, since they are somewhat healthier and have their own undoubted advantages.
- Covering cucumbers. In cloudy and cold weather, and there are many such summer days in the Leningrad region, it is recommended to additionally protect the plants with ordinary film or some kind of covering non-woven material. This will require the manufacture and installation of supporting structures in the shape of an arc. They can also be useful for tying, which cucumbers also need.
An example of how to properly plant cucumbers is shown in the video:
The basic recommendations listed above should be followed.
The best varieties for open ground in the Leningrad region
Madagascar F1
The hybrid belongs to the parthenocarpic species and is early ripening. The first cucumbers ripen after 45 days. The main feature of the variety is that most of the fruits are formed on the main vine. This makes it possible to harvest only on weekends, which is an important advantage for some gardeners. Cucumbers are cylindrical in shape, short, weighing up to 90 g. The hybrid has excellent taste, and its fruits are suitable for salads, canning and pickling.
Openwork F1
Also a parthenocarpic hybrid, suitable for growing in open ground. Harvesting can begin in 40-45 days. The hybrid is characterized by extremely high resistance to disease, as well as a long fruiting period.Cucumbers of this hybrid are a powerful and medium-branched plant. The fruits are small in size, short - up to 11 cm long. The hybrid is considered universal, as it can be used as a salad, and for canning and pickling.
Fast and Furious F1
One of the most productive hybrids, classified as early ripening and parthenocarpic. You can pick the first cucumbers after 38 days. The variety has a characteristic and traditional dark green monochromatic fruit color. They are relatively small in size (10-12 cm in length, 3.5-4 cm in diameter) and, as a rule, in the shape of a regular cylinder. Can be used for preparing salads and canning.
Athos F1
A medium-sized, high-yielding hybrid that is perfect for growing both in a greenhouse or greenhouse, and in open ground. Does not require pollination by insects, as it is a parthenocarpic cucumber species. Cucumbers have a standard and familiar dark green color, small size (6-9 cm), finely tuberous and crispy. The hybrid is also universal because it can be used in the form of salads and for further canning.
Russian emerald F1
This hybrid is classified as mid-season, which means that you can start harvesting the first harvest in 50-55 days. It is considered by experts to be an ideal variety for canning. The fruits are large-tubercular with white spines and a beautiful classic dark green color. The length of cucumbers is not large - 9-10 cm. In addition to canning, they also have excellent taste in salads.
Sweet crunch F1
An original hybrid with a non-standard light green color and almost white.The name of the cucumber variety was not in vain - the fruits have a characteristic crunch when consumed, which is regarded by connoisseurs as an undoubted advantage. The taste qualities of the fruits of this hybrid are also high.
Claudius F1
Another original hybrid with characteristic black-thorned fruits, perfect for consumption in any form: both fresh and salted. Belongs to parthenocarpic species. It has the ability to grow rapidly, forming several cucumbers in each formed node. The fruits are approximately 10 cm long and have a regular cylindrical shape. In addition, the cucumber hybrid in question is characterized by high resistance to diseases.
Conclusion
Growing cucumbers in open ground in the Leningrad region is not a simple or easy task. However, with proper solution, the result will bring true pleasure to lovers of cucumbers - one of the most popular vegetable crops.
