Cucumber "Farmer f1": planting and growing rules

The bee-pollinated cucumber "Farmer f1" is a first-generation hybrid developed by Russian breeders. It was included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in 2000. This variety is recommended for planting in all regions. It is intended for sowing outdoors and indoors. Its growing conditions are similar to those of gardens and vegetable gardens. "Farmer f1" is a mid-season variety: according to gardeners, the fruits ripen 50-55 days after germination. The variety is described as versatile. You can see "Farmer f1" cucumbers in the photographs.

Appearance and properties

"Farmer f1" is an indeterminate variety (the stem grows indefinitely). Its bushes grow to 1.7-2 m. The number of branches is average, and the leaves are green. The flowering type is predominantly female. Pollination is by bees. There are two ovaries per node. The variety yields 10-12 kg per square meter in open beds, and 14 kg per square meter under cover. Other properties of "Farmer f1":

• the fruits are deep green, with light stripes;
• cucumbers are bumpy, with white spines on the bumps;
• cucumbers are 9-12 cm long and weigh 80-110 g;
• cucumber diameter 3 cm;
• the pulp is not bitter.

Suitable for pickling, marinating, salads, and eating raw. This variety is resistant to a number of diseases, such as powdery mildew, olive spot, and other diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Among the disadvantages of the "Farmer f1" variety is its demanding watering requirements. If the plants don't receive enough water, the fruits will taste bitter and look unsightly. Also, if the cucumbers are allowed to overgrow, their skin will become hard and lose their juiciness. These shortcomings are offset by numerous advantages, including:

• cold resistance;
• disease resistance;
• long-term fruiting;
• abundant harvest; excellent taste;
• versatility of application.

Another advantage is that plants growing in open ground do not require bush formation.

Methods and features of sowing

"Farmer f1" cucumbers, planted from seeds or seedlings, are grown in open beds and greenhouses. Both methods have their advantages. Planting seeds in the ground will make the cucumbers more resistant to temperature fluctuations. Growing seedlings, on the other hand, will ensure earlier fruiting.

Planting seeds

IN seeds are sown in open ground in warm soil above 15°C during the day and at least 9°C at night. Seeds are planted in greenhouses and tunnels (glass or film) starting in early May. The holes should be filled with a mixture of peat, manure humus, river sand, and mineral fertilizers, watered, and the seeds should be buried 1.5-2 cm deep, then mulch peat or rotted manure and, if sowing is done in open ground, cover with film.

Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. Once the seedlings emerge (this happens in about a week), thin out the excess, leaving the healthiest and most developed ones. Plants should be spaced 40 cm apart. Water the seeds and young seedlings carefully to avoid washing out the hole. Don't forget to weed regularly.

Seedling

For seedlings, sow seeds a month before planting them in the garden, from April 20th to 30th. The soil can be made from humus, peat, and rotted pine sawdust in a 2:2:1 ratio. It is recommended to grow seedlings in special peat cups—the seedlings can be transplanted directly into them without removing them and risking damage to their fragile root system. The seeds are buried 1.5-2 cm deep in the soil and watered with room-temperature water. The seedlings emerge in 6-7 days. They are watered every 4-5 days and given a complex mineral fertilizer.

When the seedlings produce 2-3 true leaves, they are ready for planting in the groundBefore transplanting, it's advisable to harden off the plants—first by placing them under an open window during the day in calm weather, then by moving them to the balcony. It's recommended to plant cucumbers on a cloudy day or in the evening. The root collar should be left exposed to prevent rot. It's recommended to shade the seedlings during the day for the first two weeks. After planting, water the seedlings generously, then water again after 2-3 days. When 6-7 leaves have formed, it's recommended to install a trellis next to the bush to support the mature plants. To begin, wrap the cucumbers around the trellis.

Care

"Farmer f1" is fairly easy to care for. It requires watering, fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers, protection from fungus, and prompt harvesting (cucumbers of this variety should not be allowed to overgrow). Watering cucumbers Apply only at the roots, avoiding watering the green parts of the plants. Water with warm, settled water every 2-3 days, every other day in hot weather. Weed the beds once every 7 days. This will protect the cucumbers from harmful insects that live on weeds.

Root feeding is done after transplanting the seedlings to their permanent location, and spraying is done during flowering and fruit set. Young plants require nitrogen and magnesium. It's important to avoid an excess of nitrogen, as this will cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruiting. During the flowering stage, cucumbers require potassium and magnesium. Magnesium fertilizer is best applied to the roots along with water, while potassium is best sprayed onto the leaves. Infusions of bird droppings or mullein applied to the roots are suitable organic fertilizers. Cucumbers should be fertilized a maximum of four times per season.

To protect against fungi, use safe fungicides strictly according to the instructions. If chemicals are undesirable, whey can be used—it contains lactic acid, which inhibits fungal growth. It is also recommended to spray "Farmer f1" during the flowering period with a sugar and honey solution that attracts pollinating insects.

Reviews

Vitaly

I planted "Farmer f1" for the first time last spring. It didn't require much care, just watering, weeding, and feeding. The only problem is that some of the cucumbers overgrew and started to taste bitter. You can't afford to waste time with these cucumbers, otherwise they'll overgrow, and that's all there is to it—they'll only be pickled.

Marina

I grew the "Farmer f1" seedlings on the windowsill and they sprouted beautifully. The seed packet said to water them generously and frequently, but I couldn't manage more than once a week, and I also weeded them four times over the summer. And yet, I still got a decent harvest.

The first-generation hybrid "Farmer f1" is easy to grow in your own garden. Timely planting, watering, and harvesting are the keys to success. The wide range of uses for these cucumbers allows you to enjoy them not only in summer but also in autumn and winter.