One of the most popular and sought-after vegetable crops is cucumber. Questions such as why cucumbers are soft in a greenhouse, or why they turn yellow and do not grow, are often asked by novice gardeners. But these are far from all the problems that can be encountered during the cultivation of this crop.
In order to harvest a good and rich harvest, you need to know all the subtleties and features of growing cucumbers in greenhouses. It is worth saying that this vegetable definitely loves warmth and moisture, since it comes from the south. This plant cannot stand frost or the scorching sun; it is worth taking certain measures to grow it in special climatic conditions. In greenhouses, this crop grows remarkably, and if all the necessary rules are followed, it can be harvested all year round. So, initially it is worth knowing that for any plant, the composition of the soil, the method of planting, watering, fertilization, and also the fight against parasites are primarily important.
Rules for growing cucumbers in greenhouses
The first step is to prepare the ground. A few weeks before planting, the soil is disinfected with copper sulfate, then a mixture of peat, humus and soil is prepared.
It will be good to initially fertilize it with superphosphates, nitrate and potassium sulfate.
Many experts recommend this particular composition, although the soil with coniferous sawdust has also worked well. Properly prepared soil is the key to a bountiful harvest.
Planting is carried out only by seedlings, it will give early fruits and will allow you to initially control the accepted bushes. In the case of sowing with seeds, it is quite difficult and time consuming to grow a healthy crop in a greenhouse.
As soon as the bushes get stronger, they need to initially provide support, for this, trellises are installed, to which a twine is subsequently attached to twine and fasten the stems of the plant on it. In the future, it is worth following the rules of watering and timely feeding.
Causes of cucumber disease
Cucumbers can become soft due to the influence of the following factors:
- improper watering;
- close fit;
- lack of moisture;
- wrong temperature regime;
- plant damage by a fungus;
- planting in close proximity to tomatoes;
- lack of feeding;
- insufficient lighting.
In order for the cucumbers to be not small, soft and empty, they must be properly watered inside. Namely, it is worth strictly observing the requirement - to water young and adult plants only with settled and warm water.
Watering with cold water can lead to illness and stop the growth of the bush. Most experts recommend watering in the evening. Watering is worth 2-3 times a week.
Cucumbers become soft and begin to deteriorate over time, that is, rot and, in contact with each other, quickly create an environment for the transfer of bacteria, which will lead to the spread of pathogenic microbes in all beds. To avoid this, it is worth initially planting seedlings at a distance of at least 15-20 cm from each other.
Lack of moisture in both the soil and the air will cause the fruits to become soft and empty on the inside. Heat and dry air are the main reasons leading to the softness of cucumbers. You can control the humidity of the air using drip irrigation, as well as regular ventilation of the greenhouse.In order for the soil to breathe and be enriched with oxygen, its top layer must be constantly loosened.
The inconsistency of the temperature regime during cultivation can lead to plant disease, and in some cases to its death.
For this vegetable crop, the optimum temperature is 18-19 ° C.
A fungal disease detected in time will help stop the further development and infection of other bushes. It is worth conducting preventive examinations for rot, discoloration, and the appearance of pests.
One of the common mistakes many vegetable growers make is growing cucumbers in the same greenhouse as tomatoes. The problem is that some vegetables require one temperature and air humidity, while others require a different one.
Tomatoes love dry air, but cucumbers from this can turn yellow, become soft and stop growing. Recommended from neighbors for cucumbers, Chinese cabbage, lettuce and onions.
If you feed the plants correctly and on time, then the harvest will be solid and generous. Bushes are fed at least 5 times per season. Basically, for this they use an organic substrate or mineral fertilizers specially designed for this crop.
Quite often, plants, reaching large growth, create a dome of their leaves and stems, this occurs due to an incorrectly installed support. In this regard, the lower fruits begin to hurt.
Conclusion
As you can see, there may be several reasons why the fruits lose their density. It is important to comply with the basic requirements for growing this plant, and then all the work and efforts will be generously rewarded with a rich harvest.
