A neighbor at the dacha once started a conversation, saying: “Cucumbers don’t grow well in the greenhouse. What to do and where to start helping the plant? - and I answered her in the same way as my grandfather taught me - “You need to find the reason.” And I told her about them, now I want to share them with you. And the reasons for poor growth are the composition of the soil, improper watering, as well as temperature conditions and others. After all, if you know how to help cucumbers in such a situation, you will be able to take the necessary actions, and then the bush will get stronger and delight you with a rich harvest, and this is our goal.
Why cucumbers grow poorly in a greenhouse: Mr. Summer Resident explains 5 main reasons
The formation of fruits from ovaries is influenced by many factors. Knowing this, you can eliminate many problems. Our portal https://mrdachnik.com explains:
- The yield is negatively affected by both excessively high temperatures and too low temperatures. In addition, fruits do not form if there are frequent sudden changes in temperature. If the thermometer drops below +12 °C at night, growth stops. The optimal temperature during the day is from +23 °C to +28 °C, at night - at least +17 °C. Dry air in hot weather also prevents fruit formation.
- Another reason for stopping the growth of ovaries is a lack of nutrients in the soil. During the growing season, cucumbers need to be fed several times, often changing the composition of the fertilizer.
- Ripe fruits must be removed from the bush in time, otherwise young ovaries will not develop. Harvesting should be done every other day.
- If cucumbers do not grow in a greenhouse, keep in mind that they do not like waterlogged soil, which causes various diseases to develop that affect the harvest.
- It often happens that flowers are not pollinated, in which case a good harvest cannot be expected. Therefore, it is better to sow those varieties that do not require pollination.
Often, even experienced gardeners are perplexed why there were many ovaries, but the harvest was small.
It is important to identify the problem in time and fix it as quickly as possible.
Unformed bushes
A large green mass consumes a huge amount of nutrients, which as a result are not enough for the development of the ovary. In addition, thickets, like tropical jungles, allow little light to pass through.
Unformed cucumber bushes let in little light
Formation consists of the following steps:
- All stepsons are completely removed from the axils of the first (lowest) 4–5 leaves.
- The shoots going higher are shortened after the second leaf.
Cucumber lashes need to be shaped
At the beginning of my gardening activities, I did not know that cucumbers needed to be pinched; they grew freely in the greenhouse and pleased with their thick greenery, but not with an abundance of fruit. A compassionate neighbor, whose salting work was already in full swing, enlightened me on this issue.
Video: forming cucumber lashes
Soil composition: what should it be for cucumbers in a greenhouse
When planting cucumbers, it is important to take into account all the nuances. For example, remember what plants grew in this area last year. It often happens that predecessors deplete the soil and cucumbers lack essential minerals and trace elements.
In addition, do not lose sight of soil disinfection. It may contain pest larvae, harmful bacteria, and fungal spores. All this can not only deprive you of your harvest, but also destroy the seedlings. Therefore, before planting, it is worth disinfecting the soil by watering it with a solution of potassium permanganate.
If the seedlings have already been planted, it is important to feed them on time. Mullein solution is perfect. You need to take 1 liter of slurry per bucket of water. It is necessary to take precautions when applying nitrogen-containing fertilizers, since their excess provokes the growth of leaves and inhibits the formation of fruits. If the soil is already saturated with nitrogen, it can be neutralized by adding potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.
The correct temperature regime for cucumbers in a greenhouse and how to maintain it
Too hot or too cold days have a bad effect on crop growth.
At this time, the ovaries are not formed. Therefore, you should maintain a comfortable temperature.
- On hot days, it is necessary to ventilate the greenhouse. Bushes can be shaded using old newspapers or light fabrics so that they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
- During cold weather, you can place large bottles filled with hot water in the greenhouse. Once the water has cooled, it must be replaced. Before sunset, you need to water the beds with warm water, which will evaporate and warm the air in the greenhouse at night.
Nutrient deficiency
The lack of necessary nutrients also inhibits the growth of the ovary. During the fruiting period, cucumbers need potassium and phosphorus.
During the fruiting period, cucumbers need fertilizing with potassium and phosphorus.
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