Content
How relevant is pruning cucumbers in the greenhouse? In the mid-temperate and temperate intercontinental zone, cultivation of cucumbers in greenhouses is very common. In this regard, one of the most important stages affecting the growth and formation of a high-quality set is the correct pruning of cucumbers in the greenhouse.
The essence of the problem
If, under normal conditions, gardeners carry out pruning periodically, then for cucumbers grown in greenhouses, it is required constantly. Since the systematic pruning of cucumbers in the greenhouse is an indispensable criterion for success and a guarantee of an excellent seasonal harvest for the summer resident.
Choosing how to cut cucumbers depending on the variety and characteristics of their cultivation, as well as the size of the greenhouse and the desire to grow fruits of the desired size, first of all, it is necessary to focus on a specific goal from the expected harvest. If you are in doubt or do not know how to properly cut cucumbers in a greenhouse, then it is advisable to use the services of experienced summer residents or specialists, otherwise, with an illiterate cut, the bush may simply die.
Cutting technology for cucumbers grown in greenhouses
Pruning cucumbers in the greenhouse helps to minimize the vegetative mass of the plant, that is, to direct the flow of nutrients for optimal fruit formation and improve the quality of the sprout as a whole. Depending on the type of plant, the time of growing and harvesting, a detailed scheme, or rather, the pruning method, which gives an increase and a bountiful harvest of cucumbers, is as follows:
- general pruning;
- brightening pruning.
General pruning of cucumbers is mainly needed for self-pollinating varieties (of which the predominant amount), which it is desirable to grow with one stem. In this regard, before pruning a plant, it must be conditionally divided into 4 parts:
- The bottom of the whip is near the ground.
- One meter length of about 4 growth nodules.
- Half-meter segment.
- The very top.
Thus, the pruning process is carried out as follows: the bottom of the whip in the process of sprout formation is cleared of leaves touching the ground (and yellowed ones as well). In 2 parts of the plant, be sure to cut off the growth point and you will also need to carefully eliminate all existing barren flowers, while leaving a few leaves and about 3-4 normal, set flowers. Further, in 3 parts of the bush, it will be necessary to provide no more than 3 nodes of the sprout with the maximum development of fruits up to 4 pieces (other nodes can be left alone). In zone 4, the bush is strengthened with the help of a fishing line or wire, followed by adjusting the antennae, which must be fixed to the wire, and then throwing them in a checkerboard pattern along the trellis. Such a procedure for general pruning (formation) of cucumber bushes in the greenhouse will allow you to get an even flow of light to all parts of the stem.
Clarifying pruning of cucumbers in the greenhouse is mainly done for sick and weakened plants, when there are too many leaves or they have simply turned yellow, as well as when an extra ovary appears on the bush. That is, you need to reduce the number of leaves and leave about 5-6 nodules of the ovary.
Rules for pruning (forming) cucumber bushes in a greenhouse
Despite the huge variety of varieties and types of cucumbers, the nuances of their cultivation, the general scheme of plant care is as follows:
- All procedures related to the direction of the formation of the cucumber stem in the greenhouse (trimming antennae and lashes, removing yellowed and dried leaves) should be carried out early in the morning.In this case, the wound formed from the elimination of shoots, leaves or flowers will have time to dry out and tighten during the day;
- It is recommended to remove (pinch) the plant very carefully and not more than 4-6 cm, i.e. cut the cucumber only where the growth point is located, in order to avoid dangerous injury to the bush (up to stopping its growth and fruit set);
- In order for the cucumber to develop a strong root system and overgrow with leaves, to be ready for a high-quality ovary, it is imperative to eliminate from the axils of the first 5 leaves not only the processes, but also the flowers formed there (preferably at a time when the bush is not yet going to bear fruit);
- During the harvesting period, carrying out the formation of cucumber bushes in the greenhouse, it is necessary to act very carefully and try not to disturb the location of the adult shoots, because the bush may subsequently turn yellow or even stop growing;
- At the end of fruiting, the cucumber shoots are best eliminated together with the cuttings in order to avoid "sticking" and the appearance of pathogens on the plant. In adult plants, it is necessary to regularly clean the lower dead or brown leaves.
These generalized guidelines, which help to form a well-fertile plant in a greenhouse, as well as properly prune cucumbers in a greenhouse, apply to almost all varieties and types of cucumbers grown in greenhouses.
Meanwhile, it is undesirable to often change and breed new varieties and hydrides of cucumbers in greenhouses for you, since each variety has its own specific characteristics and aspects.
Many experienced and novice gardeners like to grow cucumbers in greenhouses or on open ground on trellises, however, not everyone succeeds in achieving positive results and getting a bountiful harvest, because the plant requires knowledge in this matter and some secrets of competent care for it. Timely garter and shaping (pruning) of cucumbers is one of the most effective methods for growing a bush, which not only saves space, but also improves the illumination of the stems. In this regard, it is necessary to properly cut cucumbers in a greenhouse or on the open ground and to form bushes must be especially careful, while observing all the rules and other nuances of such a capricious plant.
