How and when to transplant cucumbers

Cucurbits are very sensitive to root manipulation. Therefore, transplanting cucumbers is a complex process that requires adherence to certain guidelines. These guidelines include proper technique and the growing conditions. Root strength depends on the variety and climate. Before transplanting cucumber seedlings, ensure all these guidelines are met.

What is picking cucumbers and is it necessary?

Pricking out involves transplanting crops that are growing too densely. Seedlings become overcrowded due to improper planting. Crop growth is stunted because the seedlings shade each other. In some cases, the plants deteriorate.

Cucumbers can be transplanted from a large container to a smaller one or directly into open ground. When transplanting, the seedling is removed with a lump of soil to avoid damaging the root system. Transplanting cucumber seedlings is necessary if poor growth is observed. It is recommended to sow the seeds directly into individual cups to avoid further damage to the plants. This process allows you to select stronger plants that will produce better fruit. Resistance to diseases and underground insect pests increases.

The process of picking cucumbers would be pointless if it didn't bring benefits. Among the positive aspects are:

• the ability to stimulate seedling growth;
• improved photosynthesis due to increased light received;
• selection of resistant and strong seedlings;
• more rational distribution of minerals;
• the culture takes root more deeply in the ground.

If only a few seeds were sown, the number of surviving plants may be low. This happens because weak plants have difficulty transplanting. Incorrect technique can sometimes lead to the death of all seedlings. Even if you transplant vegetables correctly, there's still a risk of weakening the root system. Therefore, it's recommended to protect the transplanting process by planting seeds in peat pots.

When can you dive?

Initially, determine the timing of the transplant to avoid damaging the plant. In a large container, the seeds develop within a week. Young shoots develop cotyledon leaves. They can then be transplanted into individual pots filled with peat or other medium. At this stage, the root system is underdeveloped, so any mistake can damage it.

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This procedure can help save a plant that has recently contracted a root disease. A quick repotting into new soil will help cure the problem. Cucumbers are often repotted if they have become overgrown. Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch, and the roots develop poorly. If you plant it deep down to the cotyledons in a different container, the root system will grow better.

If you have a large number of seeds, sow them in a large container. It's then recommended to transplant the stronger seedlings into individual containers. This is done after the cotyledons have formed. In a greenhouse, plant two seeds per hole. Once they have two true leaves, you can transplant the cucumbers into a polycarbonate greenhouse. The seedlings are transplanted into individual holes.

Preparation

To transplant cucumbers correctly, you need to prepare a new container. 0.5-liter cups or other containers are suitable. For drainage, make a hole in the cups 1 centimeter from the bottom. You can place dried banana peels or eggshells in the hole. Peat pots, which are left with their contents in the open ground, are recommended.

The cups are filled with purchased substrate. It contains essential nutrients, humus, and turf. Soil from the beds where root vegetables were grown is also suitable. It is mixed with wood shavings, peat, and organic fertilizers. The soil is disinfected with fungicides to prevent disease. Garden soil is stored in the fall and heated for 25 minutes at 70-80 degrees Celsius (165-175 degrees Fahrenheit) before use. It is placed in the cups a week before transplanting. Water thoroughly just before planting. Make a hole 2-3 centimeters deep.

How to pick cucumbers: the procedure

Water the plant two hours before transplanting to make it easier to remove from the soil. Use a fork or teaspoon to water, avoiding the roots. Leave a lump of soil at the base of the seedlings. Before transplanting, inspect the young shoots for infection. Discard any affected plants. Pinch the roots, and plant the seedlings in the soil, leaving 1 cm below the cotyledons. Lightly compact the soil around the seedlings, and water them.

Indoor cucumbers require good growing conditions. If these are met, healthy plants can be transplanted. Soil is added up to the bending point on the stem. Separate pots will allow the roots to grow wider and stronger. The next transplant into open ground will be easier, as you've already gained experience with transplanting.

For the greenhouse, young seedlings are grown indoors, and when two true leaves appear, they can be transplanted. The soil is fertilized with mineral fertilizer, and weeds are removed. Holes are dug in the beds. The holes are filled with soil and compacted. It is not recommended to plant the seedlings too deeply. Finally, the seedlings are watered with warm water.

For young seedlings to thrive in open ground, warm weather is essential. The beds are covered with spunbond to protect them from night frosts. Small greenhouses are sometimes installed to provide protection. Before transplanting, the soil is dug over, cleared of weeds, and disinfected with a potassium permanganate solution. Organic fertilizer is added, and holes are dug 15 centimeters apart.

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If the seedlings were grown in peat containers, the cups are placed directly into the soil. From plastic containers, the cucumbers are carefully removed with the root ball still attached. They are transplanted into open ground, lightly covered with soil. After this, they are watered with warm water. Cover the cucumbers with white film for a while to protect them from direct sunlight.

Post-delivery care

The first seven days after transplanting are crucial, as the plant has been subjected to significant stress. A temperature of 19°C (65°F) is sufficient for establishment. Humidity should be 80%. Humidifiers are recommended to increase humidity. Protect plants from drafts and frost. Young shoots should receive 10 hours of daylight.

Excess water can lead to the growth of fungal bacteria. Therefore, the watering schedule depends on both humidity and air temperature. It is recommended to let the water sit for 15 hours. It should be warm to avoid damaging the roots. Chicken manure, a green growth stimulant, can be diluted in the water. The soil should always be kept slightly moist.

A variety of mineral fertilizers are used for fertilizing: superphosphates, potassium salts, and ammonium nitrate. Fertilizing is done twice. The first time is a week after repotting, and the second 15 days later.

Reviews

Vadim

I've been growing cucumber seedlings indoors for six years. I plant them first in a large container to select the strongest specimens. Then I transplant them into a greenhouse. They thrive there more easily than in the open ground. Just be sure to maintain the correct climate and watering regime.

Evgeniya

I've been dealing with fungal diseases on my cucumbers for a long time. Sometimes the roots were affected. I learned from an article that overwatering leads to this. I also didn't inspect the vegetables when replanting. As a result, the entire soil became infected, spreading the disease to neighboring crops. I watched a video, corrected the issues, and now everything is great.

Picking cucumbers isn't always necessary. It should be done only when necessary to avoid unnecessary damage to the root system. This procedure requires careful preparation. After picking, the young seedlings must be carefully cared for. Otherwise, they won't take root and will soon die or produce an insufficient harvest.