The benefits of onion peels for cucumbers: recipes and application guidelines

Cucumbers

The widespread use of onion peels for fertilizing cucumbers is explained by their rich composition and environmental safety. They are used to make infusions, and they are added to the soil, fresh or dried. This home remedy is prized for its antiseptic and stimulating properties, boosting immunity, and stimulating photosynthesis. This free fertilizer protects the delicate garden crop from diseases and pests, helping to produce a bountiful harvest.

Advantages and disadvantages of using onion peels

Onion skins have a rich chemical composition. They contain ascorbic acid, tocopherol, biotin, niacin, and B vitamins—B1, B2, B5, B6, and B9. The most abundant trace elements are potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and chlorine. They also contain zinc, iron, aluminum, rubidium, and boron. There are 11 essential amino acids and 8 non-essential ones:

Carotene is responsible for immune-stimulating properties and prolongs the growing season;
nicotinic acid - actively converts oxygen into a form accessible to plants, facilitating the delivery of nitrogen to all parts of the plant;
B vitamins - stimulate the development of the root system and the formation of ovaries;
Niacin - facilitates development on heavy soils.

Methods and frequency of use

Onion peels are used fresh, or dried, in the form of decoctions and infusions. No special conditions are required, such as ensuring adequate ventilation in the greenhouse or wearing protective clothing and a mask. However, gloves are still a must, as otherwise it will be difficult to wash your hands.

If it's sunny, apply the solution early in the morning or in the evening, after sunset. This isn't because the properties of the solution change after exposure to ultraviolet light. It's simply that splashes on the leaves—even if you water carefully, it's impossible to avoid a few drops hitting the green parts—refract light like a lens. Exposure to direct sunlight causes gray, burnt spots.

Spraying is carried out according to the following algorithm:

First, the stream is directed from the bottom up, along the underside of the leaves;
then they move down, processing the front part of the leaf blades.

It is advisable to wait for dry weather, otherwise the solution will quickly wash off.

When planting, add a handful of onion peelings to each hole. Fertilize the plants every 30-45 days during the growing season. Water the roots once every 5-7 days. This is very convenient for gardeners who only visit their plots on weekends. Preventative spraying is done every 3-4 days, and therapeutic spraying is done every 48-72 hours. Before using onion decoctions or infusions to moisten the beds, soak them in settled water.

Treatment of cucumbers against pests and diseases

To protect garden crops from diseases and pests and to increase yields, solutions and decoctions are prepared. A mother liquor concentrate has a universal effect:

When collecting the peelings, they are dried. You need 1/3-1/4 of a bucket, and if this amount is stored in a plastic bag, the bio-raw material will begin to rot. If the peelings spoil, their beneficial properties are lost.
Pour water heated to 80°C over the chopped onion peel and leave for 24 hours under a lid, stirring occasionally.
The liquid is filtered through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. It is then diluted to the desired concentration and used for watering and spraying. The pulp is added to the soil when planting seedlings and during the growing season as an organic fertilizer, or used as mulch.

Attention!

The product is so safe that the quality of the spray solution can be taste-tested after dilution. If it's too bitter, it's diluted.

The concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator, but for no more than 3 days. However, keep in mind that the fresh infusion is most effective.

Infusions for spraying against pests

Use immediately after preparation:

Pour 8 liters of hot water over 200 g of fresh husks and let steep at room temperature for 4 days, shaking occasionally. Strain before processing.
Pour 6 liters of boiling water over half a bucket of husks, immediately seal, and wrap in a warm place. Let steep for 48 hours, shaking the container instead of opening it to stir. Dilute 1:2 before use.

An infusion against pests can be made from onions without peeling them. Add half a medium-sized onion to 1 liter of hot water (80-85°C). Dilute with settled water in the same proportions as the other remedies.

Decoctions for watering beds

To disinfect the soil, use the following recipes:

When preparing to plant seedlings, add 200 g of husks to 5 liters of boiling water, bring to a boil, and immediately turn off the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 2 hours, then strain. When preparing the working solution, dilute it in a 1:5 ratio.
To disinfect a garden bed in a greenhouse or outdoors, boil 100 g of onion peels in 5 liters of water for 5 minutes, strain, and add another 2 liters of water. Straining is optional.

Pest and disease control

To preserve cucumbers, use a mother liquor diluted in a ratio of 1:4 or 1:5. But you can also use other recipes:

To get rid of powdery mildew, pour 2-3 cups of peelings into 2 liters of hot water and let steep for 24 hours, keeping it warm. Strain before use. Spray once every 5 days; it can be used during harvest to extend the growing season.
To get rid of thrips, simply soak a handful of onion peels in 2 liters of settled water for 2 days. Check the quality by taste.
To kill spider mites, steep 200 liters of peelings in 5 liters of boiling water. Use after 5 days.
To prevent aphid infestations, place 100 grams of onion peel in a 3-liter jar and fill with hot water. Strain in the morning and spray the cucumber vines once every 5-7 days. To control pests, it's best to use a mother liquor concentrate.
To prevent various types of rot and treat blackleg, use a mother liquor concentrate, diluted 1:3.