How to Grow Cucumbers in 5-Liter Bottles

Not everyone knows how to plant cucumbers in 5-liter bottles. Although it's certainly an interesting and extremely effective process, it's important to remember the lunar calendar dates and then provide them with proper care.

Once the seedlings have established themselves, they are transplanted into a five-liter bottle. Each plant requires its own bottle. This article will detail the process of growing, caring for, and transplanting cucumbers into open ground.

How to choose the time to plant seedlings

In an article on our website, we've already covered in detail how to choose the right time to plant cucumber seeds for seedlings. We'll briefly emphasize again that everything depends on when you plan to plant them outdoors. Moreover, cucumber seedlings grown indoors quickly develop and are ready for planting in just 15-20 days, so this is essential to take into account.

To avoid filling your entire windowsill with cucumber seedlings, you can start seeds separately. For example, in early April, sow self-pollinating cucumber seeds for transplanting into a greenhouse. Then, plant cucumber varieties suitable for canning and growing outdoors (in the second half of April). Early May is also an excellent time to start seeds; the harvest will be late but equally delicious.

Cucumbers in plastic bottles

There are many videos online today about planting cucumbers in 5-liter bottles. Plastic containers have always been great for growing seedlings, and larger ones are even better. You'll need to properly prepare the 5-liter bottle.

To do this, cut the container lengthwise. Make sure to make drainage holes in the bottom. You can use a soldering iron for this, or just large, heated nails will do. Now pour soil into the container; it should be slightly moist. The result is a beautiful, no-more-no-less garden bed.

If you have a garden bed, you can start planting the seeds. We hope you've already soaked the seeds in a container of water and discarded any that float to the surface. These seeds are empty and won't germinate, but will simply take up space in the soil. Sow the seeds in the soil and then cover with the other half of the bottle. The germination process is standard: place them in a warm place and water them through the top lid, which should also have drainage holes. Periodically open the greenhouse to ensure the soil receives sufficient oxygen.

What else is important when growing in a bottle?

If you look at the photos and pictures of cucumbers planted in 5-liter bottles, you'll see that the seedlings will be strong and the harvest will be exceptionally rewarding. However, keep in mind that for the first week after planting, the bed, covered with plastic, should be placed in the refrigerator (not the freezer) at night.

When the cucumbers reach seven centimeters, they will no longer be comfortable under the plastic dome. It's time to transplant the seedlings into individual cups. Incidentally, these can also be made from bottles, but in this case, from two-liter models. Cut off the tops and make holes in the sides. When transplanting, trim off the lower leaves and pinch the top of the plant.

Important! Because of the holes throughout the glass, water can escape into the soil when watering. Simply place the seedlings on plastic bags: the water will collect on them and evaporate as needed.

When to transport to the dacha

If the seedlings have already grown to 20 centimeters, you can safely set a day for transplanting them into a greenhouse or open beds. To ensure a gentle transplant, place a stick next to each seedling and secure the bush. Incidentally, the time for transplanting seedlings should also be coordinated. with the dates of the Lunar calendar.

It's not that planting cucumbers in 5-liter bottles takes more time than traditional seedlings. Moreover, you can save not only time but also the cost of supplies. Every gardener knows the importance of properly planted and grown seedlings. After all, a rich and robust future harvest depends on these small plants.