How to properly water cucumbers in open ground and greenhouses?

Cucumber — One of the most moisture-loving plants, it requires consistently moist soil. Proper watering is crucial to the taste of this crop. If the plant suffers from insufficient moisture, the fruit will become bitter, and the leaves and flowers will dry out.

Time and frequency of watering

Irrigation must be approached responsibly: if you can't water at midday, when the sun is blazing, you can't avoid burns or holes in the leaves. For cucumbers in open ground, this is the best time. — evening, for the greenhouse — Morning. But avoid watering the beds at night: if the water doesn't have time to soak in before midnight, root rot will occur. When nights are cold, you can water early in the morning, but make sure there are no droplets of water left on the leaves before the sun appears.

The frequency depends on the soil, weather conditions, and the region where the crop is planted. On average, one plant requires 2 to 5 liters of water, regardless of whether it's grown in the ground or a greenhouse. Sandy, loose soil in the garden bed requires more frequent watering, while clay soil requires less frequent watering.

You may be interested in:

Controlling spider mites on cucumbers in a greenhouse
If you're wondering how to get rid of spider mites on cucumbers in a greenhouse, it's worth checking out folk remedies...Read more…

A bed with 3-4 cucumber plants will require 10-12 liters. The soil should be watered approximately every other day. If the weather is hot, you can water it every day, and in a greenhouse, you can even increase this to twice a day. During rainy seasons, reduce the watering to avoid overwatering the plants and causing root rot.

Water temperature

Cucumbers love warm water, so it's best to fill the containers with it in advance, either in the evening or early in the morning. It will warm up to the desired temperature within a day—at least 17 degrees Celsius, and preferably 20-25 degrees Celsius. If the nights are cold, there's no need to heat anything special; simply place the barrels or containers in the greenhouse, and the desired temperature will be reached within a day.

You can't water cucumbers with freshly collected water or from garden hose, well, or borehole, where the water is cold. This will damage the vine, causing root rot or powdery mildew, and in some cases, the plant will even die. The fruit also suffers, primarily affecting its taste; it becomes bitter and the yield decreases.

Irrigation techniques

Use a watering can or bucket to water the plant sparingly, ensuring the moisture is fully absorbed into the soil. Avoid using a hose or pouring directly at the roots, as this will wash away the soil and expose them. You can moisten the soil for cucumbers not only with a regular watering can or bucket, but also with special equipment.

Watering methods:

1. Drip.
   This is done using a hose with holes drilled into it, spaced approximately 20 cm apart. You'll also need a large barrel or old bathtub to collect water. Place it on a slightly elevated surface and attach the hose. To prevent the water from leaking out prematurely, attach special faucets to regulate the watering. If you can't make one yourself, you can purchase a ready-made kit at a gardening store.
2. Bottle.
   This method involves using plastic bottles. Poke one or more holes in the container, then place it in the soil near the cucumber plant so that the liquid falls onto the soil near the roots.
3. Sprinkling.
   In open ground, this process occurs without assistance, but in a greenhouse, this method can be used sparingly to avoid fungal diseases. It's best to use a watering can or sprayer. To protect against infections, it's worth occasionally adding urea or iodine.

You may be interested in:

Planting and caring for cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse
If we talk about any special differences when growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse, there won’t be any….Read more…

Frequent watering will compact the soil above the roots, but avoid loosening it, as this will damage the upper roots. After watering, it's a good idea to cover the soil with a layer of mulch or peat. Hard water should be avoided for cucumbers, as it will negatively impact their development. It should be acidified and softened by adding vinegar or citric acid. If you follow these guidelines, cucumbers will be delicious, crisp, and without bitterness. And if you adopt a technique such as drip irrigation, it will also reduce the time spent in the garden.