Favorable days for sowing cucumber seeds in open ground in 2023 according to the moon

Planting cucumbers outdoors in 2023 according to the lunar calendar is easy if you choose the optimal date from the table. However, to achieve good results, you need to consider a number of other factors: the region where you're planting, the weather, and the air temperature. It's important to properly prepare the seeds for planting, cultivate the garden bed, and create ideal conditions for germination and rapid growth.

Advantages of sowing in the ground

This option is suitable not only for warmer regions but also for cooler ones, as long as you adhere to the timing and select favorable conditions. When planting in soil, the process is very different from the seedling method. If done correctly, the yield will not be affected. Key advantages:

1. The process is simplified. There's no need to select seedling containers, prepare and cultivate the soil, create favorable conditions at home, or monitor the plants' health. Instead of several steps, there's just one.
2. Saves time. When sowing in containers, it's important to pay attention to the cucumbers every day, watering and tending to them. Planting in soil takes literally an hour, after which no special care is needed.
3. Plants grow stronger and better able to withstand adverse weather conditions. Seedlings are not pricked out or transplanted, they are not subjected to stress, and their root systems are not damaged. The seedlings adapt to external conditions, so they better tolerate temperature fluctuations.
4. After germination, cucumbers grow faster; they don't need to adapt to changing conditions or get used to the outdoors. They're less susceptible to disease.

There's no need to waste money on seedling containers, prepared soil, or a grow light if there's insufficient light. With proper bed preparation, there's no need for fertilizer for at least six weeks. This option is ideal for summer cottages where gardeners rarely visit. It saves time and can be used for other chores, which are plentiful in the spring.

How to choose the right timeframe

The region where you're working and the lunar calendar should be your guide. However, it's also important to consider actual weather conditions; even on ideal dates, poor weather will prevent successful planting. Therefore, you should wait until the average daily air temperature is at least 15°C (59°F), and the soil at a depth of 10 cm (4 inches) has warmed to at least 12°C (55°F).

If you rush and sow too early, the seeds won't germinate until favorable conditions arrive. If they sit in the cold ground for more than two weeks, they'll begin to rot and spoil, requiring replanting.

Don't be late with the work either. The ideal temperature for germination and rapid growth of young plants is between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. In hot weather, the process slows down, and weak seedlings can simply burn.

Lunar calendar

The phases of the moon influence plant growth. If you choose the right time, seedlings will emerge earlier, and cucumbers will develop faster and be less susceptible to disease. The best time is the waxing moon. To avoid having to understand its cycles, it's easier to use a table that shows all the favorable days for planting cucumber seeds in 2023.

It's best to plant during these times to ensure uniform germination and strong plants. There are unfavorable days when sowing cucumbers is prohibited, and it's also worth remembering them:

• April 6, 19, 20, 21
• May 5, 18, 19, 20
• June 4, 17, 18, 19

Plan your work in advance using the planting calendar so that everything is ready by the right date, without having to dig beds or apply fertilizer. If you need to prepare seeds, do so well in advance; some seed preparation methods require considerable time. If the soil hasn't yet warmed up by the chosen date, it's best to postpone sowing.

Region

All dates are given based on climate conditions. However, weather conditions can change during a given season, so it's important to take this into account. Avoid sowing if a prolonged cold spell is forecast. However, most often, work should be carried out within the following timeframes:

1. In the Moscow region and throughout the central part of the country, sow directly into the soil in the second half of May. For the Leningrad region, move the period up by 1-2 weeks, as spring there is typically late and cold.
2. In southern regions, work should begin in the second half of April. Sometimes the ground warms up even earlier.
3. In Siberia and the Urals, sow cucumbers directly into the ground from seeds in late May or early June. This depends on the local conditions; the weather varies greatly even in neighboring areas due to the large number of mountains.

Consider the specific characteristics of each variety; some have their own ripening periods. These are always indicated on the packaging, so it's easy to figure out. To ensure you can harvest fresh cucumbers from the garden for as long as possible, it's best to plant varieties with different ripening periods.

How to carry out the work

To ensure seeds germinate uniformly and quickly, they need to be properly prepared. This includes preparing the planting site, following a specific schedule, and providing care to ensure the plant thrives and provides it with everything it needs. Failure to follow these simple guidelines will result in fewer seeds sprouting, and they will take longer to germinate.

Seed preparation

Buy only high-quality seeds from reputable producers. Avoid buying from markets and street vendors, as they often sell inferior seedlings. Seeds prepared 3-4 years ago germinate well. Dry sowing is also possible, but proper preparation will result in faster germination.

1. Discard any defective seeds. The easiest way is to prepare a salt solution (a teaspoon per cup), soak the seeds in it, and let them sit for 15 minutes. Discard any that float to the surface, and rinse any that settle in warm water.
2. Make a pink solution of potassium permanganate and soak the planting material in it for half an hour to an hour to disinfect. Then rinse with clean water.
3. To improve germination, you can soak the seeds in a growth stimulant. Follow the instructions, which also specify the processing time, which typically ranges from a few hours to a day.

When there's no time for preparation, you should at least sort through the seeds, discarding any dry or empty ones; they're easy to identify by weight. If the seeds have been treated, this will be indicated on the packaging; plant them immediately; do not soak or disinfect them.

Selecting a location and preparing a garden bed

Practice crop rotation; don't plant cucumbers in the same spot two years in a row. The best predecessors are cabbage, onions, garlic, and nightshade crops. Mixed plantings are also allowed, including legumes, radishes, greens, tomatoes, or cabbage. The key is to leave wide row spacing to ensure the plants have enough space. Prepare the soil as follows:

1. Fertilizer application is best done in the fall, but can also be done in the spring. Organic matter is recommended: well-rotted manure, compost, or humus. Spread it evenly over the surface at a rate of one bucket per square meter. If organic fertilizer is unavailable, use a complex mineral fertilizer; the dosage is indicated on the packaging.
2. Dig up the soil to the depth of a bayonet. Turn the soil over so that the fertilizer is at the bottom. If you're working in the fall, you don't need to do anything. In the spring, before planting, level the surface and break up any large clods with a metal rake.
3. If possible, make a small elevation and dig furrows along the edges so that the root system does not stand in water during heavy rainfall.

To improve fruiting, you can create a heated bed. To do this, dig a trench 50 cm deep, add manure and other organic matter to the bottom, then spread straw or dry plant residues over it, and cover it with at least a 30 cm layer of soil. Decomposition will generate heat.

Landing

When planting cucumber seeds in the ground, follow a number of recommendations to ensure good germination and optimal growing conditions. If done incorrectly, the seedlings may simply fail to break through. The process is simple and easy to follow:

1. Prepare furrows before sowing seeds. The planting plan is always included on the seed packets; remember it if you throw away the packets. Typically, row spacing is 60 to 100 cm, and seeds are spaced 20 to 40 cm apart. This depends on whether you plan to use a trellis for the vines.
2. Make the holes approximately 10 cm deep. Water the surface generously with warm water, saturate the soil, and sprinkle a little wood ash, which serves as both fertilizer and pest control.
3. Plant in the garden bed in May or at a different time if the climate in your region differs. Sprouted or coated seeds should be placed one at a time, and dry seeds should be placed 2-3 at a time to ensure germination. Once all the seeds have sprouted, remove the weak ones.
4. Cover with a layer of soil no more than 2 cm thick. Place small arches and cover with plastic film. This will create an optimal microclimate for the seedlings and prevent moisture from evaporating from the soil. Remove the cover after the sprouts emerge. If the day is hot, it's advisable to remove the plastic film.

Once the plants are covered, there's no need to water them until the seedlings emerge. After sowing, simply cover them with soil, but don't compact it to make it easier for the seedlings to break through. If you do need to water after sowing, gently loosen the soil after the water has absorbed, ensuring there's no hard crust on the surface.

Caring for young plants

Once the seedlings emerge, provide optimal conditions so that they grow quickly, develop, and are not affected by diseases. Cucumbers require a lot of care., but if done correctly, the yield increases, and the first green fruits appear much earlier. Follow these simple guidelines:

1. Watering cucumbers About twice a week. Monitor the soil; increase the frequency when it dries out faster. Avoid contact with leaves and stems. Be sure to let tap water sit for at least half a day to allow it to warm up to the ambient temperature.
2. Loosen the surface after each watering. Do this to a depth of no more than 2 cm, as the root system is shallow and easily damaged. You can apply a layer of peat or dried weed mulch; this will eliminate the need for loosening and allow moisture to evaporate slowly.
3. If use trellis, then start tying at the early stages so that the whip stretches along the rope and does not get damaged.
4. Start feeding One and a half months after germination, use a weed or nettle infusion, dilute 1:10, and water in the evening; plants respond very well to this mixture. When applying mineral fertilizers, loosen the surface slightly and water frequently; this will allow the nutrients to reach the roots more quickly.
5. Form according to the scheme recommended by the seed producer, usually the lower axils are blinded, and then only the ovaries are left, breaking off the side shoots.

If temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius, it's advisable to cover the plants with spunbond to protect them from sunburn. Avoid overwatering the soil; it should be moist but not wet. Dampness promotes fungal diseases and causes root rot.

Planting cucumbers outdoors is easy if you choose the right date according to the lunar calendar, consider the soil temperature, and the region you're planting in. Follow the recommendations for seed and bed preparation, cover them until the sprouts emerge, and provide proper care.