Using boric acid as a fertilizer for cucumbers

A good harvest from any garden crop depends on many factors. Plant nutrition is crucial. Several fertilizing sessions are necessary throughout the growing season. Cucumbers also require beneficial micronutrients. Boric acid solution can be used as a foliar and root fertilizer. It is suitable for seed treatment and pest control.

Properties of boric acid for cucumbers

This substance is involved in plant metabolism processes. It helps beneficial micronutrients be absorbed more quickly. Boron is essential for normal photosynthesis. Under its influence, the root system develops faster and becomes stronger. It is essential for the formation of inflorescences and ovaries. Fruit buds become stronger and do not fall off.

Boric acid solution Suitable for cucumbers grown both in greenhouses and outdoors. It increases plant resistance to diseases and pests, as well as weather changes. Since boron is involved in the transport of carbohydrates and sugars, cucumbers with sufficient boron have a more pleasant taste.

Symptoms of boron deficiency

A deficiency affects the appearance and fruiting of the crop. Rhizomes are underdeveloped. The crop grows significantly more slowly and does not produce lateral shoots. The number of ovaries decreases. Inflorescences may fall off. Fruit also changes in appearance. They become deformed, and their flavor is reduced.

The vine becomes brittle and prone to necrosis. The plant's immunity is significantly reduced, making it vulnerable to diseases and pests. The plant fails to bear fruit and may die. These symptoms indicate the need to fertilize the cucumbers with boric acid.

Excess boron

Don't overdo it with boric acid on cucumbers. Excess boric acid is just as harmful as deficiency. A plant with an increased concentration of the substance changes its appearance. The symptoms are different from those of a boron deficiency, so it's easy to recognize.

The crop is characterized by changes in the shape and color of the leaf blade. It dies at the edges and becomes curled. The leaves turn bright yellow and take on a dome-like shape. The plant slows its growth and sheds its leaves. The excess can be identified by a decrease in the number of female inflorescences on the cucumbers.

Rules of application

Feed the cucumbers Boric acid should be applied in several stages: during flowering, during fruiting, and during fruiting. Root feeding should be done at intervals of at least 20 days. For crop treatment, you can use boron powder in 10g sachets or specialized products such as Mag-Bor, Borofoska, or Plantafol. When using granules, strictly adhere to the dosage.

Spraying cucumbers with boric acid should not be done in hot weather. Ideally, it should be done in the evening, without wind. Apply the solution thoroughly, from all sides. Weather conditions must be taken into account, as rain will wash away the solution, preventing it from being absorbed. When spraying 10 square meters, approximately 1 liter of the working solution is used. For every liter of water, 1/2 teaspoon of powder is required.

Spraying and seed treatment

Pre-treating seeds accelerates germination and strengthens the future plant's immunity. To prepare the solution, completely dissolve 0.2 g of boron granules in a liter of hot water. Soak for at least 12 hours. Wrap the seeds in gauze before placing them in the solution.

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Before planting seedlings in the garden, you can strengthen them with a boric acid solution. 0.5 g of the solution per bucket of water is sufficient. The first feeding should be applied when the plant grows 3-4 leaves. To prepare a classic solution for spraying and fertilizing cucumbers, you need:

• pre-dissolve 5 g of boron powder in a small amount of hot water;
• add water to a volume of 10 l;
• The working solution should have a temperature of 22-25 degrees.

Use to attract bees and repel ants

Bee-pollinated varieties require a sufficient number of insects to successfully produce fruit. A sweet boron solution can be used as bait. For 10 liters of water, add 10 grams of pre-dissolved powder and 500 grams of sugar or 100 grams of honey. Spray cucumbers with this mixture during inflorescence formation to enhance pollination.

Boric acid powder can be used against pests in the garden and around the house. To get rid of ants, prepare bait. Mix the crystals with sugar, then sprinkle the mixture in places where the insects congregate, creating trails. Pure boric acid powder can be used, but ants are attracted to sweets. There's a recipe for a liquid trap. Dissolve 10 g of boric acid powder, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of jam in 200 ml of water. Heat until completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a loosely sealed container and place it between rows of cucumbers.

Other recipes

In addition to the classic recipe, there are various mixtures used to protect against pests and diseases. To prevent fungal infections, use a solution of boron and manganese. To do this, add a few crystals of the latter to the standard proportions per bucket of water until the solution turns pale pink.

Root feeding is done with a mixture of boron and iodine. For each bucket of water, add 1 g of the preparation and 9 drops of iodine solution. For ovary and fruit formation, an ash-based mixture is suitable. For 2.5 liters of water, use 1.5 kg of the main ingredient. Add 5 g of boric acid powder and half a bottle of iodine dissolved in the mixture. Stir and let it sit for 24 hours. Dilute 10 times before use.

An effective and safe remedy for diseases and pests is a solution containing brilliant green. Add 10 drops of brilliant green and 1 g of boric acid to 5 liters of water. A recipe using baking soda has similar properties. To prepare it, you will need:

• 10 liters of water;
• 50 g of soda powder;
• 1 g of boron;
• 10 g of hydrogen peroxide.

Reviews

Tatyana, 35 years old, Rostov:

Due to a sudden cold snap, spots appeared on the cucumber leaves, likely powdery mildew. After treatment with a boron solution, brilliant green, and hydrogen peroxide, the plant recovered. Two sprays were sufficient.

Anatoly, 53 years old, Samara:

The cucumbers started to form flowers. For some reason, they started falling off. I prepared a solution with boron and applied it to the plants. The effect was noticeable after the first application.

Irina, 45 years old, Moscow:

I used boric acid on my mother's advice. It's inexpensive and safe. I tried different recipes—a pure solution and a mixture with iodine. The cucumbers didn't get sick. The yield was significantly higher.

Boric acid can be used as a fertilizer for cucumbers and to treat them against pests and diseases. It increases the plant's resistance to external pests and increases yield. To avoid damaging the crop, do not increase the frequency of applications or the dosage. Three to four applications per season are sufficient. Excess boron is harmful to the plant.