What to do if cucumber seedlings have become elongated?

If you're worried about your cucumber seedlings becoming leggy—what to do about it, and how to fix it—we'll give you some simple tips to help your cucumbers return to normal. To properly plant seedlings, you need to know a few nuances. They're simple and straightforward, but they need to be considered when purchasing seeds and preparing for planting, both for seedlings and directly into the ground. See also: planting cucumbers in 5-liter bottles.

Which seeds to choose for seedlings?

There are three types of seeds available for sale - be sure to pay attention to this.

The most common ones need to be sorted, calibrated, treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, or pre-germinated and planted in already warm soil. If the weather is cool, it's best to cover them overnight. Water with warm water, always under the bush, avoiding watering the leaves, as cucumbers don't like this. If you must spray the leaves, don't do it late in the evening—you shouldn't let droplets of water remain on the leaves overnight, as this can ruin the plants.

The second type are treated seeds, ready for planting. They don't require calibration; simply plant them in holes, water, and that's it. They usually already have a thin film coating that protects the seeds from fungi and microbes. These seeds are usually more expensive, but their germination rate and disease-free growth are much higher.

The third option is pelleted seeds. They are also coated with a nutrient layer, which helps the seeds survive in unstable environments and protect them from diseases by nourishing them with a protective, beneficial layer. These seeds are even more reliable for planting.

Planting seedlings

Many people start cucumbers as seedlings, and then, once they've established themselves, transplant them into the ground. This is a more stable option, especially in cold climates, where young plants can be vulnerable to frost, or there's a risk that the seeds won't germinate, wasting time. The seeds must be planted correctly, and the soil chosen carefully (preferably the same soil in which the seedlings will be planted, and one where cucumbers didn't grow last year).

Calculate this: 25-40 days before the expected planting date, sow the seeds in seedling cups. By the time they're ready to plant, the seedlings will have grown strong and won't be bothered by open spaces.

To prevent seedlings from stretching, ensure that they don't receive too much direct sunlight after the cotyledon leaves emerge. Water with warm water and mist only on cloudy days or in a location that's not directly exposed to sunlight. Avoid both excessive heat and high humidity, as these can also cause seedlings to stretch, becoming frail, pale, and weak. They can also develop blackleg, which can lead to death. If you notice blackening at the base, discard the plant and the soil underneath to prevent spreading the disease to other plants. See also: Cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse: planting and care.

If the seedlings have become elongated, what measures should be taken?

First, lower the temperature to about 15 degrees Celsius, but since light is essential, supplement it with lamps. You can install mirrors on the windowsills to reflect sunlight onto the seedlings, or simply space the cucumber cups apart. This will help if the leaves are already large, as they may simply shade each other.

Elongated seedlings can be saved by planting them in the ground. This requires a well-warmed, not over-watered soil layer. Gently bury the plants up to the cotyledons and cover with loose soil. If you've already planted the seedlings and the air is still cold, cover the soil surrounding your sprouts with dark, perforated plastic. This will allow air to pass through, prevent the cucumbers from freezing, and allow excess moisture to escape. The plant will develop additional strong roots and become stronger. If the plants are already weak, don't let them flower—remove the first buds until the plants have strengthened and formed a strong bush. In greenhouses, it's best to water the plants in the morning with warm water to ensure adequate humidity and prevent moisture from lingering on the leaves overnight.

To fertilize cucumbers and grow a clean harvest without using any chemicals, you can use weeds to your advantage. Place the juiciest (seedless!) weeds in a barrel, cover with water, cover with a lid, and stir daily. In a couple of weeks, you'll have an excellent fertilizer cocktail for not only cucumbers but also other crops. Dilute the fermented herbal infusion 1:10 and water under the bushes. For spraying, dilute it twice as much with water. The cucumbers will be splendid, and have a great harvest!