Compatibility of peppers and cucumbers in greenhouses and open ground

Choosing neighbors for hot peppers is done with great care. This plant can affect the flavor of nearby crops through cross-pollination. Crop compatibility is also important to avoid reducing the plants' yields. Cucumber vines make good neighbors for hot peppers; there are many positive aspects to growing these two crops in the same greenhouse or open garden bed.

Compatibility of hot peppers and cucumbers for growing

When choosing greenhouse planting partners, consider plant compatibility. Hot peppers and cucumbers can be planted side by side. To do this, consider the growing requirements of both crops. Hot peppers thrive next to cucumbers in a greenhouse. Both crops are heat- and moisture-loving plants. Therefore, they need frequent watering, preventing them from drying out.

Since the plants belong to different families (peppers to the nightshade family, and cucumbers to the pumpkin family), they are not prone to the same diseases.

Monitor the temperature. The thermometer reading should not fall below 22°C. ^OC. You can gradually increase it. Monitor the humidity level; it shouldn't exceed 60%.

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The compatibility of these two crops also lies in the fact that they dislike strong drafts. Therefore, leaving windows open for long periods of time is not recommended.

Advantages and disadvantages of co-growing

Growing peppers and cucumbers together has its pros and cons, which should be taken into account. Among the positive aspects, it's worth noting:

1. There is no cross-pollination.
2. These crops rarely share diseases, so they will not be transmitted from cucumber plantings to peppers.
3. When grown close together, the plants have high productivity.
4. Requirements for germination conditions and care vary slightly, which simplifies agricultural work in the greenhouse.
5. By growing hot peppers and cucumbers in the same greenhouse, they are not afraid of cross-pollination, since the hot variety is protected from the sweet variety outside the shelter by film or polycarbonate.

There are a number of minor disadvantages to this type of joint planting.

1. Both crops can be affected by aphids.
2. If the space in the shelter isn't properly allocated, the peppers may not receive enough light due to the tall cucumber vines. This will lead to a low yield of the hot plant.

In essence, the disadvantages of such joint cultivation are the result of mistakes made by the gardener.

Selection of varieties

When growing alongside cucumbers, it's important to select the right hot pepper varieties. The following varieties can be used for such plantings:

1. Aleksinsky. A mid-season pepper variety with a yield of 3-4 kg per m.²It is highly resistant to various diseases.
2. Vizier. A mid-early variety of hot pepper with a high degree of disease resistance. Yield: 3 kg/m3.².
3. Astrakhan 147. An early-ripening variety, the fruits are ready for harvesting by the 122nd day. Yield: 2.5-3 kg/m3.².
4. A miracle of the Moscow region. An early variety of hot pepper that matures in 125 days. It is highly resistant to diseases, drought, and temperature fluctuations.

When choosing cucumbers Preference is given to plants that have an average level of leaf density so as not to create shade for the plantings.

Mixed planting patterns for peppers and cucumbers

Depending on the number of seedlings and the area of ​​the plot on which planting is planned, various schemes and options are used.

1. In a pot. The ideal option is to plant only 1-2 seedlings. In this case, you can skip the seedlings altogether and just plant 2-3 seeds in a pot. After the sprouts emerge, remove the weak plants.
2. Planting in a greenhouse. In this case, peppers are spaced 25-30 cm apart. A staggered arrangement is also possible. In the latter case, there are 30% more plants per square meter.
3. In a greenhouse. This type of shelter is typically used for growing seedlings. After the bulk of the plants have been planted in their permanent location, chili peppers can be grown in the greenhouse. Experience shows that the greenhouse is the best place to harvest an early crop.
4. In open ground. In open beds, you can use even rows or a staggered arrangement. The best option is to plant two seedlings per hole, with a distance of about 25-30 cm between them. Leave about 50-60 cm between rows.

When growing hot peppers and cucumbers together, certain rules must be followed.

1. A distance of about 1.5 m should be maintained between the peppers so that the wide leaves of the cucumbers do not shade their short, hot neighbors.
2. Since peppers require more frequent ventilation, they are often placed near windows and doors.

When growing peppers together, keep in mind that peppers require much fewer nutrients, so they need to be fertilized less frequently. If you don't limit fertilizer application in a timely manner, the peppers will begin to overgrow, but fruit will not form.

Features of joint care

Inappropriate plant placement isn't the only factor that affects plant productivity. Mistakes made during agricultural practices can also reduce yields. First, treat the seeds of both crops before planting, and disinfect the soil. A weak solution of potassium permanganate can be used for this purpose.

To grow these crops together, use soil of the same composition. Before planting, add manure or peat; sawdust is also a good addition. Sawdust absorbs excess moisture well and then releases it.

In general, caring for cucumbers and peppers in a greenhouse is very similar. Watering the plants Morning or evening. Water moderately. Avoid waterlogging. During dry weather, water the plants 2-3 times a week. After each watering and fertilizing, loosen the soil and remove weeds.

Fertilizing is essential throughout the growing season. Apply mineral and organic fertilizers. Timely replenishment of soil nutrients is beneficial for cucumbers and peppers. A fertilizing schedule might look like this:

1. The first feeding is done two weeks after planting the seedlings. Use poultry manure or poultry droppings. Dilute 1 liter of the substance in 10 liters of water.
2. Each subsequent fertilizing should be carried out no earlier than two weeks after the previous one. If the plants begin to actively grow foliage, but flowering is weak and there are no ovaries, then stop fertilizing.

If the soil was properly prepared and initially fertilized before planting the seedlings, then 2-3 applications of fertilizer are sufficient throughout the season.

Peppers are not susceptible to the same diseases, so they can be safely planted next to each other. Protecting adjacent plantings from aphids is essential. Colonies of these insects can drain the lifeblood of plants. Since aphids spread very quickly, action should be taken at the first sign of an infestation.

When space is limited, it's sometimes necessary to combine different crops in the same bed or under cover. Choosing the right neighbors is crucial. Hot peppers and cucumbers are an excellent option for growing together in the same greenhouse. To ensure a good harvest, you need to properly manage the plants and choose the right varieties.