When to plant cucumbers in May 2024 according to the lunar calendar

Cucumbers are the first vegetables to appear in gardens across the country. They are typically planted outdoors after warm weather sets in, using seedlings or seeds. To help pinpoint planting times, many vegetable growers use the lunar calendar for cucumbers for May, as this is the time when the threat of frost has passed. Plants planted on favorable dates grow more vigorously, are less susceptible to disease, and produce a richer harvest.

Growing conditions

Cucumbers require ample light for good growth. A day length of 10 to 12 hours increases yield. In shaded areas, the central stem with male flowers grows more vigorously. The lateral shoots, where the ovaries form, fail to develop. Hybrids with female flowering tend to shed their ovaries in low-light conditions. When grown in the shade, plant immunity is weakened, they age faster, and become more susceptible to infection.

For active growth and fruiting, cucumbers require temperatures between 22°C and 26°C. If the temperature drops to 14°C or exceeds 42°C, development stops. If temperatures remain low for long periods, the root system loses its ability to absorb moisture. Cucumbers cannot tolerate even short-term frosts. Therefore, they are planted in their permanent location only after the return of stable warm weather.

To produce a good harvest, cucumbers require fertile soil. The plant quickly absorbs a large amount of nutrients from the surface soil layer to produce abundant fruit. Cucumbers are planted in sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Fertilizing is done several times during the summer season.

Growing cucumbers is possible using seedlings and seeds:

1. For an early harvest, the vegetable is planted from seedlings. When grown seedlings are planted in the second ten days of May, the fruits are harvested in late June. If there is a risk of frost, the bushes are covered with plastic.
2. For long-term fruiting, sowing from seeds is used. These plants develop a strong root system and are more resistant to disease.

Favorable days for planting cucumbers

In May 2024, the best days for planting cucumbers are determined based on climate and weather conditions. Sowing seeds of this heat-loving vegetable in open beds is only possible after the weather has fully warmed up. Depending on the region, planting times can vary from a few days to 1-2 weeks. Many vegetable growers schedule their planting according to the lunar calendar.

By the phases of the moon

The Earth's satellite's gravity influences the health of all living organisms. When the moon is waning, plant sap rushes downward, to the roots. This enhances their growth and promotes full development. During the waning moon, underground vegetable crops are planted. Transplanting plants is prohibited during this period.

During the waxing moon phase, sap flow intensifies in the upper parts of plants. During this time, the stems, leaves, and fruits of crops, the edible parts of which grow above the soil surface, actively develop. This time is considered the most favorable for transplanting seedlings into open ground and sowing seeds. The root system of young plants becomes less fragile and susceptible to damage. As a result, seedlings adapt to new conditions more quickly. Therefore, seeds are sown in open ground and for seedlings during the waxing moon.

The most favorable planting days occur when the Moon passes through the fertile zodiac signs of Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, or Pisces. When planted at this time, plants develop strong root systems and yield a bountiful harvest.

By region

Heat-loving cucumbers grow best in southern regions. However, given favorable conditions, they can even be grown in northern regions. Due to climate differences, planting times vary greatly. Depending on the region, the following planting procedures are performed in May:

1. In the central part of Russia and the Moscow region, cucumbers are typically planted in greenhouses in May. Warm weather sets in during the second ten days of the month, and then the plants are transplanted into the open ground.
2. In Siberia and the Urals, seeds are sown throughout May for seedlings to be grown in unprotected beds. At the beginning of the month, the seedlings are transferred to a greenhouse.
3. In the Leningrad Region and Altai, at the end of May, grown seedlings are transplanted into open ground.
4. In the southern part of the country, cucumber seeds are sown in open ground throughout the month.

By variety

Depending on the climate and growing method, the timing of sowing seeds for seedlings is calculated. This is done by taking into account the variety's growing season:

• early maturing varieties are planted in a permanent place at the age of 23-25 ​​days;
• varieties and hybrids with an average ripening period are transferred to unprotected beds or to a greenhouse 26-28 days after germination;
• Late-ripening cucumbers are ready for transplanting in 29-30 days.

Read also

Planting cucumber seedlings in open ground: step-by-step instructions
For gardeners, planting cucumber seedlings in open ground is the most challenging stage of growing cucumbers. Planting follows specific rules that are unfamiliar to beginning vegetable growers.

 

Features of cultivation

Choose a site for the cucumber bed that is well-lit and sheltered from northerly winds. Corn, sunflowers, or other tall plants can be planted nearby to provide a draft barrier. Cucumbers are planted in areas previously occupied by cabbage, nightshades, or legumes.

Soil preparation

The site for the cucumber bed is prepared in advance. The vegetable grows well in soil rich in organic matter. Therefore, during the autumn tilling, add rotted manure or compost at a rate of 5-8 kg per 1 m². Mineral fertilizers are also suitable as an alternative. The following can be added to the same area:

• 300 g superphosphate;
• 200 g of potassium salt.

Heavy, clayey, and highly acidic soil is unsuitable for growing cucumbers from seeds. River sand can be added to lighten the soil, and lime can be added to alkalize it. If the soil is very sandy, clay can be added. A week before sowing, the soil is enriched with ammonium nitrate at a rate of 100 g per square meter. A solution of mullein or bird droppings is added to each hole before planting.

Preparation of seed material

Cucumber seeds remain viable for up to 8 years, but only 2- to 3-year-old specimens are suitable for sowing. To check their quality, they are dipped in a salt solution for 10 minutes. Any seeds that float to the surface are discarded. Those that sink to the bottom are rinsed with clean water and transferred to a pinkish potassium permanganate solution for disinfection. Then, to improve germination, the seeds are treated with a solution of Epin or Zircon. The treated seeds are dried until they become free-flowing. When sowing early, sow the seeds dry. If the weather is warm or summer, soak them in warm water for 24 hours or heat them at 60°C for 2-3 hours before sowing.

Sowing

Furrows are made in the garden bed, 60 cm apart, 3 to 4 cm deep. Prepared seeds are placed in these furrows at intervals of 20 cm. Then, moist, fertile soil is added to a depth of 1.5 cm. Dry soil is added on top. The surface is compacted well and covered with a layer of mulch made of peat, sawdust, or straw. The organic matter protects the seedlings from the cold, reduces moisture loss, and suppresses weed growth.

Immediately after sowing, the bed is covered to protect the seedlings from possible frost. Spunbond or lutrasil is used for this purpose. If necessary, regular film can be used for covering. The film is removed every 3-4 days to allow air to pass through the bed. During the first half of June, the bed is covered every evening.

Care

When the seedlings have two true leaves, they are thinned. Depending on the size of the bush, 30 to 50 cm of space is left between plants. After thinning, the bed is loosened to a depth of 10 cm. After the sixth true leaf has formed, the bushes are hilled. This procedure stimulates root development.

When the main stem reaches 30 cm in height, tie it up. To do this, tie a strip of soft fabric around the plant under the first leaf. The other end of the strip is secured to a trellis installed between the rows. As the shoots grow, they are guided toward the support cells.

Cucumbers are watered in the evenings with warm water that has been left to stand for 24 hours. If frost or cold temperatures are expected overnight, the soil is moistened in the morning. Until flowering begins, the beds are watered 1-2 times a week, depending on the soil quality. After that, daily watering to a depth of 10 cm is necessary if the weather is dry. On rainy days, watering is avoided entirely. Cucumbers are watered at the roots to prevent moisture from reaching the leaves.

Fertilizing is performed immediately after the initial loosening. For this, use a solution of 10 g of water and 1 liter of mullein. A solution of chicken manure is also suitable, but the concentration should be halved. The fertilizer is poured into furrows made 10 cm from the plants. The second fertilizer is applied during flowering. It is made with a solution of 10 liters of water, 30 g of potassium sulfate, and 1 g of boric acid. The final fertilizer is applied during fruit ripening. It is made with a solution of 10 liters of water, 1 teaspoon of urea, and the same amount of potassium sulfate.

Basic mistakes

When planning a garden bed, it's important to follow crop rotation guidelines. Growing cucumbers in the same spot two years in a row or growing them after poor predecessors leads to the development of numerous diseases, reduces the vegetable's resistance to pests, and reduces yield. Also, avoid over-cropping seedlings indoors. This impairs their acclimatization to the new location.

When growing cucumbers, they need to be watered properly. Water should be applied so that it doesn't hit the roots, but rather directed slightly to the side. It's important to moisten the soil after lunch. Improper watering can lead to fungal infections and other diseases. When shaping the plant, remove all side shoots up to the fourth internode.

The greens are harvested daily or every other day. Delayed harvesting reduces yield and causes the plants to age. Failure to fertilize or infrequent application of fertilizers can also cause this effect. To maintain yield, apply mineral fertilizers every 10 days, as directed.

In May, warm weather sets in across almost all of Russia, making it ideal for planting cucumbers outdoors. To ensure proper development and vigorous fruiting, cucumbers are planted on favorable days according to the lunar calendar. This is done taking into account the variety's growing season and the region's climate. By creating favorable conditions and proper care of cucumbers produce a good harvest all summer long.