Cucumbers respond well to natural fertilizers, so applying compost or manure in greenhouses before and after planting is always recommended. In rich and fertile soil, cucumbers grow faster, and their fruits become excellent — it is believed that cucumbers become less bitter. However, relying solely on organic matter is not advisable, as cucumbers quickly consume nutrients from the soil for the development of vines, leaves, and fruits.
Plan for 4 fertilizer applications for cucumbers in a greenhouse
1. Fertilizing cucumbers in the greenhouse begins with adding half of the recommended dose of balanced NPK fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium — 10-10-10) when transplanting seedlings or by shallowly incorporating fertilizers on the surface for seeds if you are planting directly in the greenhouse. Cucumbers need nitrogen for active leaf growth and efficient photosynthesis, considering the difference in sunlight intensity in the greenhouse compared to open soil.
Where to buy fertilizers for cucumbers? Today, modern gardeners have access to almost a hundred varieties of cucumbers, allowing them to choose plants based on taste qualities, growth characteristics, and yield. At the same time, only a few fertilizers are specifically designed for cucumbers; most mineral supplements are labeled as universal for vegetable crops, or gardeners use fertilizers for tomatoes.
2. In the second stage, when cucumbers start flowering, it is recommended to fertilize them with phosphorus-rich fertilizers to ensure good flowering and strengthen the root system, which absorbs nutrients.
Phosphorus fertilizers for cucumbers: superphosphate (about 20% phosphorus content), triple superphosphate (46% phosphorus content), and diammonium phosphate (produced from ammonia and phosphoric acid, containing approximately 18% phosphorus).
3. The third important fertilization stage is carried out when the vines are forming, and the first cucumber leaves begin to drop, usually when the plants have 2-4 leaves. At this time, it is recommended to apply fertilizers with moderate nitrogen content and increased levels of phosphorus and potassium relative to nitrogen — the ratio is indicated on the package.
4. Once fruiting begins, add potassium to maintain the crispness and maturity of cucumbers. Liquid potassium fertilizers can help improve the taste and crispness of cucumbers, and they can be applied either on the foliage or dissolved according to the instructions and watered at the roots.
Potassium supplements for cucumbers include potassium superphosphate and potassium chloride, with the latter being used cautiously to avoid overdosing and causing plant burns.
Among organic fertilizers that enhance taste and quality, bone meal stands out as a natural source of phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. It can be used by mixing it into the soil or by spraying around the bushes — approximately a handful per plant every two weeks during the vegetative period.
If you have the opportunity to visit the garden on Sundays, it is convenient to use cucumber fertilizers in the greenhouse, where nutrients are packed in special "spikes" that are inserted into the soil near the plants and evenly distribute the nutrients.
To stimulate fruiting, you can use slow-release granular fertilizers, which provide nutrients to the plants for several weeks. Ideally, apply them on weekends. The granules are incorporated into the top layer of soil to a depth of 3-5 cm, where they dissolve slowly.
Organic fertilizers for cucumbers
To revive cucumber seedlings after transplanting into the garden, strengthen their protective functions, and extend fruiting, it is recommended to water with a compost-manure infusion: mix 1 part compost with 2 parts manure or chicken manure in a bucket.
If compost is unavailable, you can use grass clippings without weed seeds, nettle, borage leaves, dandelions with roots, again without seeds. Let it sit in the sun for a couple of days and water the root zone once a week.
Proper nutrition for greenhouse cucumbers will allow you to harvest a plentiful and delicious crop, ensuring the health and productivity of the plants.
