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Cucumbers are one of the most popular and favorite vegetable crops in Russia by gardeners. It is difficult to argue with this, and it does not 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 thermophilic, it is quite possible to grow cucumbers in the open field in fairly large areas of the country. The Leningrad Region is no exception to this rule. But before proceeding to a description of the conditions of the region, it is necessary to once again recall the features of cucumbers and their cultivation.
Cucumbers. Description and features
Cucumbers are an annual herb that has a creeping or branching stem. Its length can be 2 meters. Common varieties of cucumbers, which are characterized by a bush form. The root system of cucumbers is of the surface type and extends no deeper than 1 meter, and most of it is 20-25 cm from the soil surface.
Cucumbers have a number of distinct properties, the main ones of which are:
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thermophilicity... This property explains the fact that the best yield is achieved when growing cucumbers in greenhouses. From which it is not at all worthwhile to conclude that open ground is not suitable for such a plant as cucumbers. Currently, varieties and hybrids of the plant have been bred, which, with proper and competent care, are quite capable of providing a sufficient yield when grown in open ground in almost any region of central Russia. But for this it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations and requirements for care;
- the need for feeding... In whatever conditions the cultivation is carried out - in the open field or under various film coatings of greenhouses and greenhouses, cucumbers are always very dependent on correct and regular feeding;
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moisture-loving... Everyone knows about this property of cucumbers. Regular and frequent watering is one of the prerequisites for successful cucumber cultivation. Of course, in no case should excessive moisture be allowed, but it is much less common than a 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 time, of course, provided other conditions for their cultivation are met.
Features of the conditions of the Leningrad region
Before talking about growing cucumbers in the open field in the conditions of the Leningrad Region, you should definitely take into account that this is a fairly large region, and the conditions for gardening in its north and in the south are very different. Based on this, it can be unambiguously asserted that the cultivation of cucumbers in the open field in the northeast of the region is unproductive. At the same time, this type of vegetable growing is quite accessible in fairly large territories of the Leningrad Region, namely in its southern and central parts.
It should also be borne in mind that a good result when growing cucumbers in the open field in the Leningrad region can be considered a yield of 5-8 kg. fruits per 1 sq.m.
Another feature of regional conditions is the strong temperature and climatic differences between years.So, in the Leningrad region, at least 1 out of 5 years consistently brings a protracted spring and cold summer, which has an extremely negative effect on the level of cucumber yield.
Do not forget, given the above, that the region of the Leningrad region is rightfully considered an area of risky agriculture.
Ways to increase yields
There are several different methods, with varying degrees of success, applied in practice, which minimize the risks of crop failure when growing cucumbers.
- Simultaneous planting of 3-4 different varieties or hybrids of cucumbers, which are intended for open ground. In no case should you think that if one variety gave an excellent harvest in a given year, this situation will continue to repeat itself. For planting, it is necessary to choose cold-resistant varieties, zoned for the Leningrad region. The next 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, there is no way to wait for the ripening of late varieties.
- The use of self-pollinated 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 lies in the few sunny days when insects are most active. On rainy and cloudy days, the rhythm of their vital activity decreases, which leads to problems with pollination. At the same time, it is not worth completely excluding cucumbers pollinated by insects, since they are somewhat more useful 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 nonwoven material. This will require the fabrication and installation of arc-shaped support structures. They can also be useful for tying, which cucumbers also need.
An example of the correct implementation of planting cucumbers is shown in the video:
The main 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, is early maturing. The first cucumbers ripen after 45 days. The main feature of the variety is that most of the fruits are formed on the main whip. This makes it possible to harvest only on weekends, which is an important advantage for some gardeners. Cucumbers have the shape of a cylinder, are short, weighing up to 90 g. The hybrid has excellent taste, and its fruits are suitable both for salads and for canning and pickling.
Openwork F1
Also a parthenocarpic hybrid suitable for outdoor cultivation. Harvesting can begin in 40-45 days. The hybrid is characterized by extremely high disease resistance, as well as a long fruiting period. Cucumbers of this hybrid are a powerful and medium-branchy plant. Fruits are small in size, short - up to 11 cm long. The hybrid is considered universal, since it can be used both as a salad, and for canning and salting.
Fast & Furious F1
One of the most productive hybrids related to early maturing and parthenocarpic. You can pick the first cucumbers after 38 days. The variety has a characteristic and traditional dark green solid color of the fruit. They are relatively small in size (10-12 cm long, 3.5-4 cm in diameter) and, as a rule, in the form of a regular cylinder. Can be used for salads and canning.
Atos F1
A medium-sized, high-yielding hybrid that is perfect for growing both in a greenhouse or greenhouse, and in the open field. Does not require insect pollination, as it belongs to the parthenocarpic cucumber species.Cucumbers have a standard and usual dark green color, small size (6-9 cm), small lumpy and crunchy. The hybrid is also versatile because it can be used in the form of salads and for further canning.
Russian emerald F1
This hybrid is mid-season, which means that you can start harvesting the first crop in 50-55 days. It is considered by experts to be an ideal variety for canning. The fruits are large lumpy with white thorns and a beautiful classic dark green color. The length of the cucumbers is not great - 9-10 cm. In addition to canning, they also have excellent taste in salads.
F1 sweet crunch
An original hybrid with a non-standard light green color almost white. The name of the cucumber variety was not for nothing - the fruits, when consumed, characteristically crunch, 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-spiked fruits, perfect for consumption in any form: both fresh and salted. Refers to parthenocarpic species. It has the ability to grow rapidly, while 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 under consideration is characterized by high disease resistance.
Conclusion
Growing cucumbers in the open field of the Leningrad Region is not a simple and easily achievable task. However, with a competent solution, the result will bring true delight to lovers of cucumbers - one of the most popular vegetable crops.
