How to grow cucumbers in a greenhouse? When to plant and how to care for them?

Growing cucumbers in greenhouse – this is a great way to get a bountiful and high-quality harvest, regardless of weather conditions. However, mistakes in choosing a variety, preparing the soil, caring for it and watering it can lead to low yields, bitter fruits and diseases. Let's figure out how to properly grow cucumbers in greenhouse conditions, when to plant them and what care nuances will help to achieve the best result.

Choosing a Greenhouse: Key Parameters

The right greenhouse is the key to successful cucumber growing. It is important to consider:

• Type of coating: best suited for cucumbers polycarbonate, as it retains heat, protects against sudden temperature changes and distributes light evenly. Film greenhouses are suitable, but require enhanced humidity and temperature control.
• Greenhouse shape: the best option is – arched or a gable roof design, as it provides good air circulation and prevents moisture stagnation.
• Height: at least 2.5-3 meters, so that the plants can freely climb upwards and do not suffer from a lack of space.
• Windows and ventilation: cucumbers love high humidity, but without good ventilation the risk of developing fungal diseases increases.
• Trellis and garters: it is important to plan a garter system in advance - this will improve lighting, simplify care and harvesting.

When to plant cucumbers in a greenhouse?

Planting times depend on the type of greenhouse and climate:

• Heated greenhouse – sowing is possible as early as mid-March.
• Unheated greenhouse – seedlings can be planted in the second half of April – beginning of May, when the soil temperature reaches +15°C.

Landing errors:

• Planting in cold soil results in slow growth and disease.
• Sudden changes in temperature can cause plant growth to stop.
• Insufficient soil moisture reduces seed germination.

Preparing seedlings:

• The seedlings are planted at the age of 3-4 weeks, when they have 2-3 true leaves.
• 5-7 days before transplanting, the seedlings begin to harden off by reducing watering and lowering the temperature by 2-3°C.

Soil preparation

Cucumbers are demanding of soil quality. The soil should be fertile, loose and retain moisture well.

How to properly prepare the soil:

1. Remove the remains of old plants - prevents the development of diseases and pests.
2. Disinfect the soil by treating it with boiling water or a solution of potassium permanganate (1 g per 10 l of water).
3. Add organic matter – humus or compost (5-7 kg per 1 m²) will improve the structure and fertility of the soil.
4. Add wood ash – 200 g per 1 m² (source of potassium and phosphorus).
5. Use mulch – it protects the roots from drying out and overheating.

Choosing a cucumber variety

For a greenhouse, it is better to choose hybrid varieties that are resistant to diseases and lack of light:

• Early ripening varieties are suitable for early harvesting: “Kurazh F1”, “German F1”, “Masha F1”.
• Mid-season varieties – provide stable fruiting: “Zozulya F1”, “Marinda F1”.
• Self-pollinating hybrids – do not require insects to set fruit: ‘Claudia F1’, ‘Crispina F1’.
• Long-fruited varieties are suitable for salads: “Emerald Stream F1”, “Chinese Snake”.

Diseases and pests

Common diseases:

1. Powdery mildew – white coating on leaves, growth retardation.
   • Treatment: treatment with Fitosporin or ash infusion (200 g per 10 l of water).
2. Peronosporosis (false powdery mildew) – yellow spots on leaves, drying out.
   • Prevention: regular ventilation, spraying with copper sulfate (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water).
3. Root rot – blackening of the stem at the base, wilting.
   • Reason: over-watering, low temperature.
   • Solution: reduce watering, treat the root area with Trichodermin.
4. Spider mite - leaves become covered with webbing and turn yellow.
   • Control: spraying with soap solution, using Actellic.

Growing cucumbers in a greenhouse

Growing cucumbers in a greenhouse is a process that requires attention to detail. From choosing the right greenhouse and variety to caring for the plants, every action affects the yield.

Key points:

• Choose greenhouses with good ventilation and sufficient height.
• Use warm, fertile soil with added organic matter.
• Observe optimal planting times and temperature conditions.
• Feed plants regularly and control humidity.
• Don't forget about bush formation and disease prevention.

If you want to create ideal conditions for growing cucumbers, pay attention to greenhouses from NovaTeplitsa. They are designed specifically for the Ukrainian climate, provide reliable plant protection and allow you to achieve high yields. Check out assortment on our website and take a step towards successful growing today!