How to Grow Cucumbers in a Polycarbonate Greenhouse

Well-warmed soil allows gardeners to sow soaked cucumber seeds in the last month of spring. The most favorable periods for sowing are the 2nd, 9th, and 26th. It is during this period that cucumber seedlings can be planted, both in a greenhouse and in special containers. seedling boxes.

Cucumber varieties for polycarbonate greenhouses

Every year, in early March, people stock up on cucumber seeds at gardening stores and markets. Furthermore, breeders regularly develop new varieties. Technologically advanced agricultural solutions allow breeders to develop interesting varieties that produce delicious vegetables.

When choosing greenhouse seeds, pay special attention to several rules. Generally, for indoor growing, it's essential to purchase hybrid varieties designated F1.

These plants don't require bees to pollinate their flowers. Because cucumber varieties are dominated by female flowers, the seeds located inside are small and underdeveloped, which ultimately gives the vegetable a more attractive appearance. Nevertheless, early seeds are especially popular for growing in polycarbonate greenhouses. These cucumber varieties are most often used for winter preserves and home pickling.

It's difficult to identify the best cucumber varieties, as every grower has different needs. Some prefer classic, bumpy cucumbers, while others prefer small, tasty fruits for pickling or marinating. When choosing cucumbers, first and foremost, pay attention to the label. It should indicate "self-pollinated," as well as the size and appearance. People don't know how growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse in the Moscow region affects overall vegetable prices.

Cucumber seedlings for polycarbonate greenhouses

Gardeners who rarely visit their garden plots and, for some reason, cannot regularly monitor the germination of cucumber seedlings should start seedlings at home or in their apartment. Caring for the plant is quite simple. The main rule is to choose the right day to plant the finished seedlings. polycarbonate greenhouseTherefore, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for cucumber seedlings.

To ensure effective germination of homegrown seedlings and successful transplantation to their permanent location in the greenhouse, it's essential to sow cucumber seeds in a timely manner. It's important not to rush, as mature seedlings will struggle with the excess planting space in small containers and will experience a slight delay in development. If planting is planned for the last week of May, then sowing cucumber seedlings should be done in late April.

Melons germinate quite effectively, so there's no need to worry about late sowing. Another advantage of technological planting is the efficiency of lighting. Young seedlings and plants require ample light. Therefore, they should be periodically moved to a bright spot to ensure high germination. Many people are interested in growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse in winter: videos are available online.

Cucumbers in polycarbonate greenhouses

Caring for and planting greenhouse plants has its own unique characteristics. Plants grown in regular locations thrive because they are enriched with nutrients from the soil and receive ample natural light. Before planting cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse, it's important to ensure the soil is thoroughly warmed. Cold soil negatively impacts effective cucumber germination. For ready-to-use soil, the greenhouse should be warmed to 30ºC. This is when the soil will acquire a high moisture level for ripening cucumbers. polycarbonate greenhouse.

Planting melons and gourds in polycarbonate greenhouses is virtually indistinguishable from simple germination techniques. Immediately before planting the seedlings, disinfect the planting material and the soil itself. Cucumber seeds should be soaked in warm water for several days. It's best to plant extra seeds in case a plant or a particular variety fails to germinate. A little later, to ensure effective germination, remove the weakest plants. Gardeners are interested in growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse during the winter.

Once the seedlings grow and the first leaves emerge, it's a good idea to reduce soil moisture. It's sufficient to reduce watering to once a day and regularly ventilate the polycarbonate greenhouse. It's also important to remember that seedlings often suffer from blackleg disease due to excess moisture.

Cucumber diseases in polycarbonate greenhouses

Polycarbonate greenhouses for cucumbers are the most effective and reliable shelter, as they create the right climate inside the greenhouse and protect plants from excessive precipitation. However, increased humidity not only favorably affects the ripening of vegetables but also promotes the growth of diseases and other harmful bacteria, which negatively affect young shoots. As a result, cucumber yields decrease.

Therefore, to prevent this process, it is necessary to sanitize the polycarbonate greenhouse, specifically the interior. Such treatments are performed in the fall, after harvesting, and in early spring.

Manufacturers of various chemicals offer a wide range of products that effectively combat infections and fungal diseases. However, when using these products, it's important to be aware that plants can absorb the chemicals and accumulate them in ripe cucumbers. Therefore, when disinfecting a greenhouse, it's important to choose products with a low hazard rating and effective decomposition of harmful elements. Gardeners generally perform preventative treatments on melons before the cucumbers mature. Many are interested in growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse: see a video on a gardening forum.

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Polycarbonate greenhouses have become very popular. Polycarbonate is used as the primary material due to its several characteristics:

1. Effective protection from radiation and temperature fluctuations.
2. Flexibility and high resistance to mechanical stress.
3. Fire resistance.
4. Ease and simplicity of installation.

The structure is constructed from metal, wood, or plastic components. These materials must be able to withstand the overall weight and other loads, such as strong gusts of wind or snow. An arched greenhouse is the best option because it effectively distributes light throughout the interior and is quite easy to use.

Growing vegetables in polycarbonate greenhouses

As with any other project, before growing cucumbers, you need to purchase high-quality seedlings or seeds. Seedlings are sold at markets or specialty stores, or you can grow them yourself. This is a crucial step, as the subsequent germination and ripening of the cucumber depends on it. Quality seedlings are an essential and undeniable guarantee of successful melon germination and high yields. Many people are unfamiliar with growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse: photos are available online.

The most reliable and effective way to obtain seedlings is to grow them yourself. It's also worth noting that young seedlings don't respond well to transplanting. Therefore, growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse begins with effective seedling cultivation. Seeds should be placed in pre-prepared soil at a shallow depth and watered thoroughly.

During the growing period, it is necessary to maintain an optimal temperature:

During the daytime, not below 16ºC;
At night, not less than 13ºC.

Gardeners are interested in growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse year-round. If you think about it, cucumbers don't require much effort. Proper care involves loosening the soil, watering it effectively, and providing regular ventilation. High humidity is crucial for cucumbers to thrive. Drip irrigation should be done with warm water, ensuring moisture reaches the leaves evenly.

Effectively loosened soil will ensure the cucumbers' root system develops well. Ventilation is provided using a ventilator system, which can be left open throughout the day.

Fertilizing cucumbersThis is done throughout the summer. Cucumbers thrive on organic matter. Therefore, a manure-based fertilizer or natural humus is the best option. Mineral-based fertilizers should also be used for additional feeding.

To prevent vegetables from turning yellow, it's important to monitor the ripeness of the fruit and avoid high temperatures in the greenhouse. With proper care, a carbonate greenhouse can produce a harvest all year round. The ripened fruit will not only be delicious but also environmentally friendly. Growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse is also an interesting topic: see the gardeners' forum.

Preparatory stage for planting cucumbers

The simplest option is to plant seedlings in containers or pots. Every gardener knows that a successful harvest depends on choosing the right cucumber variety. Not all seeds available in specialized stores are suitable for polycarbonate greenhouses. For example, certain cucumber varieties require self-pollination. This is quite inconvenient, so self-pollinating varieties should be used.

These varieties are typically high-yielding and easy to care for. Furthermore, these seeds are immunized against diseases and other pests. Hybrid seeds are impregnated with a special chemical compound, so they don't require antiseptic treatment. High-yielding varieties such as 'Marinda,' 'Halli,' and 'Caprice' have proven themselves to be quite successful.

Therefore, it's important to choose varieties that are well adapted to the climate of a particular region. Furthermore, breeders offer various cucumber varieties developed specifically for the northern regions of the country. This is what growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse in Siberia entails. Therefore, cucumbers can be safely planted in polycarbonate greenhouses.

Proper arrangement of beds

It's common knowledge that cucumbers are heat-loving vegetables. If desired, polycarbonate greenhouses can be converted into heated beds. To create such a bed, dig a small trench up to 1 meter deep. Line the bottom of the trench with a layer of cow and horse manure and cover it with a thin layer of soil up to 20 cm thick. In certain situations, such beds can be additionally covered with polyethylene-backed oilcloth stretched over pipes or profiles.

As a result, another greenhouse is formed within the polycarbonate greenhouse. The manure begins to rot under high heat, becoming an effective heat source.

For those unable to use manure, it should be replaced with compost or humus made from sawdust, dry leaves, or other organic matter. However, avoid using large branches, bones, perennial plant roots, and other waste. Compost beds are formed using the same principle: rotted branches and leaves are used as the bottom layer, followed by a layer of soil. For more information on growing cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse in winter, see the video.

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Gardeners and vegetable growers know that seeds in decent, attractive packaging don't guarantee a successful harvest or high-quality vegetables. Therefore, it's essential to use proven methods for selecting good seeds and weeding out inferior components. Such efforts will significantly help increase cucumber yields. The best choice for planting is a two-year-old cucumber variety.