Root system of cucumbers: length and structure, how to properly hill

How to loosen cucumbers

Although the roots of the plant are located close to the surface, to increase the permeability of the soil it is necessary to loosen it.
After frequent watering and heavy rains, the soil becomes so compacted that moisture does not penetrate deep and nourish the cucumbers. And here it is necessary to loosen the top layers of the soil. Carry out the procedure carefully, trying not to damage the delicate roots. It is best to use a rake for this, harrowing the area around the bush. In order for organic and mineral substances to penetrate to the roots, solutions are applied when loosening the soil according to the following scheme: first, with a tool, the soil is made permeable and loose, and then watered with fertilizers diluted in a bucket of water

In order for organic and mineral substances to penetrate to the roots, solutions are applied when loosening the soil according to the following scheme: first, with a tool, the soil is made permeable and loose, and then watered with fertilizers diluted in a bucket of water.

After the loosening procedure, watering will be better. Water does not leave, but easily penetrates through loose layers of soil to the root system of cucumbers. It is best to organize drip or furrow irrigation for this. The soil around the cucumber bushes will be better moistened, and the fruits will set faster.

Cucumbers should be loosened as needed, in combination with weeding the beds.

Is it necessary to hill vegetables in a greenhouse?

The structure of the plant's root suggests that cucumbers do not spud, that this is a useless activity.

How to properly form cucumbers in open ground

There are many ways and methods for forming a cucumber bush, and new ones are constantly appearing. Let's look at the most popular ones.

With garters

Most methods of forming a cucumber bush require the use of a garter at least at the initial stage of growth. This is necessary, for example, when using a natural trellis.

When attached to a wire, the garter serves as a support throughout the life of the plant. The first procedure is carried out when the plant reaches 30 cm in height. At this time, the stem becomes quite strong and enters a period of active growth; 5-6 full-fledged leaves have already been formed on it. After 30 cm, growth without a garter is dangerous for the stem. This can lead to breakdown and death of the plant.

On the other hand, there is no need to tie up a plant that is too young, weak, and easily damaged. When the bush grows to the desired height, the support and tying will have to be redone.

Without garter

For short lashes, pinching and tying are not carried out. The procedure is necessary for varieties that form long vines. In this case, nets will be an alternative to tying. The lashes will attach to them on their own.

On the trellis

A wooden trellis can be designed in an original way, and it will not only support the cucumber vines, but also decorate the area. The lower shoots and 3 leaves are plucked off so that the cucumbers bear fruit well.

Using a natural trellis is a method that requires minimal effort. The bushes are planted at a distance of 20-25 cm from the fence of the site - a fence or mesh. From them, oblique ropes are stretched to the top of the fence. As a result, vines cover the hedge like a grapevine, and the summer resident reaps a rich harvest without interference. In the fall, however, you will have to work a little to clear the fence of dried lashes.

On a wire

One of the methods of formation is fastening on a wire. For this:

Along the far edges of the bed, where the cucumbers are planted in 2 rows, drive 2 pegs about 1.5 m high.
A wire is pulled between the supports.
Twine is attached to each plant in the first row, thrown over the wire and tied to a plant from the neighboring ridge. Before this, all the lower shoots and 3 leaves are plucked off.

When the vines grow, a kind of green hut of cucumber greens forms in the beds. The plants in it will feel great without touching the ground, will be well ventilated and bear fruit abundantly.

On the grid

Using a mesh is one of the most aesthetic and comfortable ways for a plant to support and form:

Mesh fabric of the required length is purchased in advance at a gardening store.
Two strong vertical supports (beams or pipes) are buried deep in the soil at the far ends of the cucumber row.
A mesh is stretched between the bases from the ground itself, slightly retreating from the stems of the bushes.
Secure it to a vertical base using wire.
Remove lower shoots and leaves from plants.
Periodically direct the growing lashes in the desired direction and straighten them. The vines will attach themselves to the trellis mesh.

This method, like others, allows you to control the development of each plant, care for it and easily harvest.

FORMATION OF CUCUMBERS FOR A BIG HARVEST

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Cucumber (plant structure)

Cucumber by nature is an annual plant from the pumpkin family. Cucumbers are liana-like herbaceous plants that bear fruit once in a lifetime, therefore they are classified as a group of monocarpics (mono - one, karpos - fruit).

The root system of cucumbers, although quite branched, is poorly developed. The bulk of the roots of this plant are located in the most fertile surface layer of soil, at a depth of approximately 25-30 cm. When growing in arid conditions, cucumber roots can grow to a depth of 1 m or more in search of moisture.

The lower part of the cucumber stem (the subcotyledon, as well as the lower nodes of the stem) are capable of easily forming additional roots, which usually occurs when they are in warm and humid conditions. It is thanks to this root-forming feature of cucumber stems that the root nutrition of plants can be significantly improved, which is widely used when growing them in protected soil.

The stem of the cucumber is creeping, but in young plants it is erect. However, as it grows in length, the stem takes on a more or less creeping shape. The length of the main stem of a cucumber depends on the characteristics of the variety and can reach 150-200 cm. In addition to the main stem, side shoots or lashes are also formed on the plant. In this case, from two to six lateral shoots are usually formed on the main stem, which, in turn, form shorter shoots of the next order. But the length and degree of branching of shoots on cucumber plants depend entirely on the variety, and also, to a certain extent, on the growing conditions. Due to the presence of tendrils located in the axils of the leaves, which are capable of clinging to surrounding objects, the cucumber plant can be held above the soil surface in an almost vertical state (if there is appropriate support).

The stem of the cucumber is densely pubescent with hairs and covered with prickly spines, which play a protective role. Nodes, i.e. The attachment points of various plant organs are located on the cucumber stem at a certain distance from one another, which depends both on the characteristics of the variety and on the growing conditions and microclimate. Leaves, flowers, side shoots or tendrils may be attached to the nodes of cucumber stems.

Both tendrils and lateral shoots are not formed on the cucumber stem at every node. The 3-5 lower nodes almost never have antennae. And the lateral shoots on the stems are often so short that their rudimentary leaves are almost invisible, and then the flowers and fruits seem to sit right at the node of the main stem. Such shortened shoots usually develop on the stems later than the flowers located on the main stem. They constitute, as it were, the “second stage” of fruiting in late-ripening varieties.

The leaves of cucumbers are arranged alternately on the stem. The color of the cucumber leaf is green with all shades - from light to dark. Their sizes can vary greatly even among representatives of the same variety. Usually in open ground, especially in dry weather, the formation of leaves no more than 10-13 cm long occurs, while in greenhouses with good maintenance and watering, the length of the leaves can be more than 20 cm. The leaf blade of the cucumber leaf is large, solid, rounded - pentagonal shape. The leaf blade is pubescent on both sides and always has a deep notch at the place where the petiole is attached. The edge of the leaf is jagged, serrate or almost smooth….

Read: Propagation of cucumbers: flowers, fruits

Growing in a greenhouse

Greenhouse cucumber is required for the growing season:

abundant watering;
application of fertilizers;
spraying foliage with nutrient solutions once a month;
pinching varietal cucumbers;
increasing carbon dioxide levels in the greenhouse;
pollination of plants by insects.

Watering in a greenhouse depends on the room temperature. In spring and summer, water once or twice, in autumn every three days. At the same time, the water is heated, bringing it to a temperature of 25 degrees.

On hot days, spray the foliage with warm water. The cucumber root system will be stronger if the room temperature is kept at 25-29 degrees and the humidity is not higher than 85 percent.

The main shoot of cucumbers is pinched at the level of the seventh - ninth leaf, and the shoot of the first order, emerging from the axil of the first true leaf, is pinched at the level of the fifth or sixth. The main lash must be pinched when it reaches the top of the trellis.

In greenhouse conditions, cucumbers are pollinated artificially by taking a male flower and combining it with the anthers of a female one. To attract insects to the greenhouse to pollinate cucumbers, place containers with sweet water.

If it is necessary to increase the level of carbon dioxide, then piles of mullein or barrels of liquid manure are laid out between the cucumbers.

Thanks to the organization of competent care, the root system of the plant is strengthened, new roots are formed, and the cucumber bush is renewed.

Sowing

The length of the cucumber roots is, of course, impressive, but even the smallest peat cups are enough for you to grow seedlings. Why is it not recommended to sow individually using a common box? Because in this case, when planting in the ground, it is the root that gets sick. This is due to damage to the lateral processes, as well as a change in temperature. To avoid this, peat pots are used, and hardening measures are also carried out. The length of the roots of cucumbers when planted in the ground (about 2-3 weeks after germination) can already be about 10 cm.

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Use in medicine and cosmetics

There are references to the healing properties of cucumbers in Russian herbal books, as well as in the ancient 17th century medicinal book “Cool Vertograd”.

Traditional healers recommended drinking a decoction of cucumbers instead of water, and the pulp of fresh cucumbers was used as an effective diuretic, choleretic and laxative.

In folk medicine, an infusion and decoction of autumn leaves (tops) was recommended for bleeding of various origins. They are used externally for burns, and also as a cosmetic for acne, rashes and some skin diseases.

Fresh cucumbers are included in cosmetic face masks that whiten the skin and make it more elastic. Cosmetologists recommend wiping oily skin with alcohol-based cucumber tincture.

Salted and pickled cucumbers do not have medicinal properties. They are not recommended for use by people suffering from diseases of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and also during pregnancy.

Application in cosmetology

Due to their rich ingredient composition, cucumbers have long been used for cosmetic purposes. Products based on them have powerful antioxidant, moisturizing, toning, whitening and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cucumber compositions are used to eliminate oily shine, lighten age spots (including freckles and dark circles under the eyes), reduce acne, even out skin tone (especially after tanning), narrow surface pores, smooth out fine wrinkles, and moisturize the stratum corneum.

Homemade facial compositions:

Nourishing mask for dry dermis. Ingredients: 25 g cucumber puree, 15 ml natural honey, 10 g oatmeal, 10 ml sour cream. The mask is applied to clean skin at least once a week. After 20 minutes, the product is washed off with warm water. With regular use of the composition, the skin becomes velvety, smooth and well-groomed.
Anti-inflammatory mask for problem skin. To create the composition you will need: cucumber pulp (30 g), lemon juice (15 ml), ground turmeric (3 g). Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, then rinse with water. This remedy will help normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, dry out old ulcers and reduce the intensity of the formation of new acne.
Toning lotion for oily skin. Preparation instructions: combine 400 g of fresh cucumber pulp with 100 ml of high-quality vodka (40%). Leave the mixture for 7 days in a dark place. Those with oily dermis are recommended to wipe the skin with the resulting composition after each wash (to complete the cleansing and toning process).
A brightening, soothing facial mask. Active ingredients: 50 g cucumber puree, 15 ml chamomile infusion, 5 g chopped parsley, 3 g fresh mint, 2 ml sour cream. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and then applied to the irritated dermis for 20 minutes and washed off. The mask perfectly eliminates redness, evens out skin tone, and dries out small pimples.
Cleansing mask for any skin. The composition is prepared from grated cucumber (15 g), white cosmetic clay (10 g) and boiled water (10 ml). The product is applied to the skin after makeup removal. The mask exposure time is 15 minutes. After a quarter of an hour, it is washed off with water. To obtain the desired effect, do not allow the composition to dry out on your face.

In addition, fresh cucumber is used as a single product for the care of oily, pigmented and aging facial skin. To do this, cut the vegetable lengthwise into 2 halves and wipe the dermis with it after makeup removal.

Interestingly, Queen Cleopatra consumed cucumber juice internally and used it externally as masks to maintain youthful skin.

The structure of cucumbers. Cucumber root system

Why is it necessary to pay attention to this issue: to consider what the root system of a cucumber is? Because it is healthy roots that allow the plant to form a lush bush, provide it with the necessary elements, and therefore create the prerequisites for good fruiting. Cucumbers are extremely capricious plants; they tolerate any damage to the roots very hard, which is why they are not recommended to be replanted, and seedlings are grown in individual cups

Cucumbers are extremely capricious plants; they tolerate any damage to the roots very hard, which is why they are not recommended to be replanted, and seedlings are grown in individual cups.

Do not forget that this is a subtropical plant, so the cucumber root system does not tolerate cold soil and prolonged drought, which means that before planting in open ground you need to make sure that the temperature conditions are suitable.

Features of the root system

You will probably be surprised, but this habitual garden resident belongs to the melon family. Like all representatives of this family, the root system of the cucumber is taprooted, with a very long main root, which can reach one and a half meters, going deep into the ground. But that is not all.

The primary roots lie very close to the surface, forming a whole network. This allows the plant to hold firmly and collect more nutrients and moisture. Compared to other garden crops, the root system of cucumber is quite weak.

The roots are easily torn and damaged, and a drop in temperature to 13 degrees leads to oppression of the plant.

Features of growing cucumbers on the balcony

Before you start gardening at home, you need to ask what the root system of cucumbers is. It is already clear from the materials in the article that each bush will require a deep and fairly wide container, high-quality soil and a sufficient amount of fertilizer.

The container volume per plant is at least 5 liters, otherwise the roots will suffer from drying out. In addition, it is necessary to have a double bottom and abundant watering. Excess moisture will drain into the pan, and the roots, penetrating through the drainage holes, will be able to actively absorb it.

At the same time, the soil will not be waterlogged, which negatively affects the roots of the cucumber.

Not all regions have climatic conditions and soil composition suitable for this capricious crop, and the first problem is that the cucumber’s root system begins to ache and wither. The plant, accordingly, dies. Therefore, summer residents invented a new way of growing vegetables.

To do this, pots of suitable volume are hung on a stand, their bottom is covered with 2-centimeter foam rubber. A cut is made in them from below, and the plant is inserted into it with its roots up, while the stem hangs freely down. Soil is poured into the pot on top. It turns out that cucumbers grow upside down.

Gardeners note that this method is quite effective, especially for indoor gardening.

Graft

If you don’t want to use the method of growing plants upside down, but you need to solve the problem of poor growth and development of the bush, and grafting can help with this. This is an unconventional way to grow cucumbers, but in some regions it is the only way.

The fact is that cucumber root (photo presented in the article) is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations, as well as to damage by various pests. Therefore, it was proposed to graft a cucumber stem onto the root of a completely unpretentious pumpkin.

To do this, you just need to grow cucumber seedlings, and when the first leaves appear, sow a large-fruited pumpkin.

Quickly join both cuts and wrap with foil. Plant the cucumber roots next to the pumpkin in the same pot. You will end up with two seedlings sitting next to each other and meeting with cuts on the trunks.

After two weeks, the seedlings will grow together; now you need to cut off the top of the pumpkin above the graft and the root part of the cucumber below the graft. There is only one plant left - “pumpkin-cucumber”.

Its roots, powerful and strong, are not afraid of any frosts or pests, and the green part of the cucumber, receiving good nutrition, will delight you until the fall. Whatever the roots of cucumbers, such is the harvest, so this method is more than justified.

Cucumber leaf, simple or compound

Leaf structure and functions

Due to the presence of chloroplasts in the cells of the columnar tissue of the leaf pulp, the process of photosynthesis occurs, as a result of which a large amount of organic substances is formed, delivered by phloem to different parts of the plant. Imagine the following information in the form of a 3D model: the conducting system of the leaf is a continuation of the conducting system of the stem; at the site of the node, the vascular-fibrous bundle extends in the direction of the leaf.

In the spongy tissue of the leaf there are intercellular spaces, the entrance to which is opened by stomata. Here gas exchange occurs between the plant body and the external environment, which consists of the processes of respiration and photosynthesis. It is extremely important to separate two concepts: photosynthesis and respiration.

Don't be surprised that plants absorb oxygen through respiration. All living cells of aerobic organisms are in the process of respiration constantly, day and night. Remember that breathing is the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. In contrast, during the light-dependent phase of photosynthesis, oxygen is released as a waste byproduct and carbon dioxide is taken up by cells.

It is carried out through stomata in the epidermis (skin).

Main parts of the sheet

This is the extended lower part of the sheet. In some plants, as it grows, it transforms into an open or closed tube, which is called a leaf sheath.

This is the thin stem-like part of the leaf that runs from the leaf blade to the shoot node.

Leaf-shaped outgrowths located at the base of the leaf. They can grow together with the stem or be freely located. In many plants, stipules are absent in principle, or are formed, but die off early.

A leaf is called complete if its elements include a blade, base, stipules and petiole. Full leaves are characteristic of many well-known plants: rowan, oak, bird cherry, rose.

Leaf venation

Found in many fern-like plants and primitive seed plants, with forked venation the veins are divided dichotomously (one vein is divided into two veins).

With this type of venation, large veins run along the leaf blade parallel to each other. Characteristic of cereal plants.

It is distinguished by the presence of large veins, which are curved like an arc along the leaf blade. Characteristic of monocots.

This type is characterized by a pronounced central (main) vein, from which thinner lateral branches extend to the sides. Available in English oak and common bird cherry.

This type of venation is distinguished by the presence of several large veins of approximately equal size, fanning out across the plate, while converging at one point at its base. Available in common cuff and sycamore maple.

Leaf shape

Leaf arrangement

Leaf modifications

Formations that perform a supporting function. Clinging to the support with its antennae, the plant takes a vertical position in space and grows upward. There are ranks, peas.

Perform various functions. For example, the scales of the bud protect it from mechanical damage, and the leaves of the onion in the bulb are turned into juicy scales that store nutrients.

Protect the plant from being eaten by animals. A similar protective function is performed by the spines of barberry and cactus.

The vast majority of gymnosperms are evergreen plants, which retain their needles for 12 months without shedding them before winter. In some species, long-lived pine, needles last up to 45 years.

This article was written by Yuri Sergeevich Bellevich and is his intellectual property. Copying, distribution (including by copying to other sites and resources on the Internet) or any other use of information and objects without the prior consent of the copyright holder is punishable by law. To obtain article materials and permission to use them, please contact Yuri Bellevich

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Advantages of formed bushes

Getting rid of cucumber lashes from the problems described above is the main advantage of well-formed bushes. As a result, the yield increases and the care of cucumber plantings becomes easier.

This happens as a result:

optimizing the load on the root system;
significantly improves plant ventilation with fresh air;
improving the illumination of all deciduous tiers and ripening fruits;
increasing comfort when caring for plants in the garden;
disease prevention, which consists of limiting the contact of cucumber vines with the ground;
facilitating the collection of ripe fruits.

Looking at the root: structural features of the cucumber root system

Anyone who wants to please themselves with a high yield of strong green cucumbers needs to remember: the secret of the plant’s fertility is in a strong and healthy root system.

The root system of cucumbers is represented by a highly developed main stem with first-order lateral roots extending from it

What are the roots of cucumbers? This heat-loving subtropical plant belongs to melons (genus Cucurbitaceae) and has a root trunk similar to them, only much smaller and makes up only 1-2% of the mass of the entire bush. But the ability to absorb moisture is very high. Cucumber roots are located close to the soil surface, at a depth of 20 to 30 cm, forming a branched network. This helps to take more moisture and nutrients from the soil and stay in the ground more firmly. The deeper the main root goes, the fewer lateral roots remain on it. A rich harvest can be obtained from a bush with a long, well-formed, developed root system.

When loosening the soil, you should try not to damage the small lateral roots. The plant will spend 8-10 days restoring them (provided the soil is well moistened) and, thus, will significantly reduce the fruiting time.

Since the cucumber has a branched root with many thin lateral roots, the crop does not tolerate transplantation very well and takes root with great difficulty. Temperature changes are also harmful to seedlings. Sprouts should be planted in open ground if the soil temperature reaches at least 13 degrees.

Tips and tricks

Gardeners often use traditional methods of growing cucumbers, but there are several techniques that can extend the growing season of this vegetable crop and increase its yield.

The method is based on strengthening the root system of plants through the development of adventitious roots. According to the method, the strong roots of cucumbers create additional nutrition for the plants.

At the bottom of the cucumber stems there are many subtle structures from which adventitious roots are formed. Hilling up seedlings stimulates their development and strengthens the root system.

Cucumber seedlings. The illustration for the article is used under the standard license ofazende.ru

The method is simple. Even inexperienced gardeners can use it. First of all, it should be taken into account that cucumbers are demanding of light, fertile soils. Therefore, before planting the seeds, it is necessary to prepare a soil mixture that consists of 50% sand and 50% humus.

To obtain an early harvest, the seedling method is used. Seeds are sown in boxes half filled with soil mixture. The grooves are drawn 4 cm apart. The distance between the seeds in the grooves is also approximately 4 cm. They are planted to a depth of 2-3 cm. As the seedlings grow, the boxes are filled with soil.

After 1-2 permanent leaves appear, the seedlings are ready for transplanting. Cucumbers are difficult to tolerate this procedure, so they need to be replanted carefully. To do this, cut the soil in the box into squares and transfer the plants to separate containers or peat pots, being careful not to damage the soil ball. As they grow, the soil is added until the containers are completely filled. Cucumber seedlings should be transplanted into open ground after the lateral and adventitious roots have grown and completely filled the container.

Sprouted cucumber seeds are sown in holes or trenches at the rate of 7-8 pieces per 1 square meter. m. The holes are made as deep as a shovel bayonet. A layer of humus is placed at the bottom, on which I place the seeds and sprinkle 3 cm of soil. Before germination, it is necessary to monitor the soil moisture. As the plants grow, they hill up, filling the holes with soil.

Cucumber harvest. The illustration for the article is used under the standard license ofazende.ru

The last stage of work to strengthen the root system will be feeding with superphosphate at the rate of 200 g per 1 sq. m. m. After this, a layer of last year’s straw is laid around the holes, which is sprinkled with soil and watered. As the straw decomposes, it will release heat and carbon dioxide. This will be additional nutrition for the plants.

How to pickle cucumbers

Currently, this method of processing vegetables is the most popular. There are many variations of pickling cucumbers, which differ in the quantitative composition of salt, herbs and spices. There are two ways to prepare vegetables for future use: “cold” (without sterilization) and hot.

Spices for salting cucumbers (for a three-liter jar):

black pepper – 10 pcs;
garlic – 50 g;
horseradish root – 6 cm;
currant leaf – 3 pcs;
cherry (or oak) leaf – 3 pcs;
bay leaf (dry) – 2 pcs;
dill inflorescence – 2 pcs;
grape leaf – 1 pc.

If desired, add a sprig of tarragon, mint, basil or savory to the bottle.

Hot method of pickling cucumbers

Place spices (including fresh plant leaves) at the bottom of the jar.
Place cucumbers on top of the spices (preferably vertically).
Pour boiling water over the raw materials, cover with sterilized lids, and let stand for 3 minutes.
Drain the water into the prepared container. To make the task easier, you can use a lid with holes or an ironed piece of gauze.
Pour boiling liquid over the cucumbers a second time, increase the infusion period to 5 minutes.
Pour hot water into a saucepan. Prepare the marinade (based on 35 g of salt per 1 liter of initial liquid).
Pour boiling brine over the pickles (without filling the neck), roll up the jars.

After preservation, the pickles are turned upside down (until they cool completely), wrapped and after a day put away in a cool place.

Recipe for pickled cucumbers using the “cold” method

Place the cucumbers, spices and fresh leaves in the prepared container.
Prepare the marinade. To do this, dissolve the salt in 100 ml of hot water (based on 55 g of spice per 1 liter of liquid). The resulting mixture is brought to the required volume with ice water.
Pour cold brine over the cucumbers and leave in a warm place for 1-2 days (to activate enzymatic processes). After fermentation is complete, add brine to the top of the jar and seal tightly with a lid (without sterilization).
Move the pickles to the refrigerator or cellar for 10-12 days.

The optimal storage temperature for the product is 0 degrees.

Secrets of proper salting

To get crispy cucumbers, it is better to choose small fruits with black “pimples” and thick skin.
Before pickling, vegetables should be soaked in water for 2.5 hours. Otherwise, they may become bitter or “explode.”
The optimal time for salting cucumbers is the second half of July-August.
To prepare the marinade, it is better to use filtered, well or spring water.
To preserve the taste and aroma, greens should be picked from the bush an hour before salting.
Cucumbers are placed in a container in dense rows in a vertical position.

Remember, the more vegetables fit in the jar, the longer the product will be stored (due to the increased concentration of lactic acid during fermentation).

Vegetables that are at the fermentation stage (when using the “cold” method) should never be covered with a lid.
To obtain crispy fruits, it is important to use coarse table salt without additives.
To avoid the appearance of mold during “cold” salting of cucumbers, it is necessary to sprinkle the surface of the marinade with dry mustard powder.
To preserve the bright green color, the vegetable is doused with boiling water and then immersed in cold water.

To get cucumbers with a crispy crust, it is important to place them exclusively in sterile containers. Remember, in 80% of cases, pickles spoil due to careless preparation of dishes.

The structure of cucumbers. Cucumber root system

Cucumbers are extremely capricious plants; they tolerate any damage to the roots very hard, which is why they are not recommended to be replanted, and seedlings are grown in individual cups.

Features of the root system

The roots are easily torn and damaged, and a drop in temperature to 13 degrees leads to oppression of the plant.

Features of growing cucumbers on the balcony

At the same time, the soil will not be waterlogged, which negatively affects the roots of the cucumber.

Gardeners note that this method is quite effective, especially for indoor gardening.

Graft

To do this, you just need to grow cucumber seedlings, and when the first leaves appear, sow a large-fruited pumpkin.

Aftercare for cucumbers

Proper formation of cucumber vines is important, but not the only condition for the formation of a high yield. Much depends on the subsequent care of the formed cucumber bushes.

This requires:

Maintain the optimal temperature in the beds (in open ground and in greenhouses) between +24° and +28°C during the day and between +12° and +15°C at night. At temperatures below +12°C and above +32°C, the quality of flower pollination drops sharply. And prolonged influence on a crop of temperatures below +10°C can be completely detrimental to it.

Water cucumber crops correctly, remembering that excess moisture has just as negative an effect on the plant as its lack. When the vines grow before flowering in open ground, they only need watering once every 5 days at a rate of up to 7 liters per 1 m². In hot and dry weather, watering should be done more often, and at the stage of active flowering and fruiting in hot weather, up to 12 liters of water per 1 m² is required. It should be borne in mind that cold water cannot be used for watering cucumbers - its temperature should not be lower than +25°C

In addition, it should be settled; when watering, it should not fall on the leaf surface of the green mass.

Fertilizer feeding also plays an important role. When growing green mass, the plant requires nitrogen in large quantities, and during flowering and fruiting, potassium and phosphorus are more needed.

The cucumber crop responds very gratefully to weeding and loosening the soil

During hilling with moist soil, parts of the stems sprinkled with soil can form additional roots, which helps to increase the yield of the bush.

Hilling

Hilling up in relation to cucumbers is carried out quite rarely. The procedure allows you to increase the volume of the root system, which means the largest amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals absorbed by the plant.

This has a positive effect on the yield and taste of the crop. Hilling is very often used in relation to early and mid-early varieties in order to improve their taste and appearance.

There are 2 main ways by which it is possible to increase the root mass:

At the seedling stage, substrate is poured into the cups of the seedlings. This method is suitable if the variety forms adventitious roots. If you look closely at the stems, you will see small tubercles on them; these are future lateral branches of the root system.
It is necessary to wait until the seedlings begin to ripen, and then move them to a larger container. Next, as in the previous case, add a substrate that will increase the root mass of the plant.

It is worth noting that when using these methods, at the time of transplanting the crop into open ground, it is necessary to dig deeper holes than with the classic placement of seedlings.

Varieties and hybrids

All varieties of cucumbers presented on the market today can be divided into:

traditional;
new;
F1 hybrids.

Before you start growing, it is very important to study information about different varieties and choose the right one. The choice will determine the method of forming the bush, and the quantity and quality of the harvest will depend on it. Formation of a bush is one of the nuances of proper cultivation of cucumbers

Moreover, varietal cucumbers and hybrids require a different approach. If we keep in mind the first ones, then female flowers and, accordingly, the ovary are formed on their lateral branches, and only male ones are born on the central stem. Therefore, most varieties grown in a greenhouse require pinching to enhance branching.

Forming a bush is one of the nuances of properly growing cucumbers. Moreover, varietal cucumbers and hybrids require a different approach. If we keep in mind the first ones, then female flowers and, accordingly, the ovary are formed on their lateral branches, and only male ones are born on the central stem. Therefore, most varieties grown in a greenhouse require pinching to enhance branching.

Cucumber ovary

For cucumbers that grow in open beds, pinching shoots is not effective. Indeed, under these conditions, male and female flowers develop evenly on the branches and on the main stem.

Some hybrids produce only female flowers, so their bushes require absolutely no formation. And some of them, in particular parthenocarpic ones, are formed into one stem by experienced gardeners.

Conclusion

Cucumber is an annual vegetable grown in almost all countries of the world. The culture is valued for its aromatic unripe fruits (greens), used in cooking, diet therapy, folk medicine and cosmetology. In the food industry, cucumber is used as an independent snack and as part of summer salads, cold soups, and various pickles. Considering that the pulp of the fruit consists of 95% water, cucumber is an integral component of cleansing and detoxifying weight loss programs. Along with liquid, it contains vitamins, minerals, organic acids, tannins, flavonoids, dietary fiber, and adsorbents. The fruits of this crop perfectly satisfy hunger, potentiate the synthesis of thyroid hormones, help reduce swelling, stimulate intestinal contractility, increase the elasticity of blood vessels, and improve the appearance of the dermis.

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What kind of soil do cucumbers like - acidic or alkaline?

Since cucumbers prefer light, loose, nutritious, non-acidic soil, it is important to properly optimize the composition of the soil for cucumbers in the spring

Dense clay soils are unsuitable for growing cucumbers, but even they can be brought into proper condition. It is necessary to add leavening components and humus-forming substances. These include brick chips, sand, horse and rabbit manure, litter, compost, and rotted leaves.
Light loams require virtually no preparation. They are loose and have a high degree of aeration. It can be enriched with manure at the rate of up to 6 kg per 1 m2 of land.
Sandy loam is light, permeates well, but does not retain moisture, is easy to process, and is characterized by the rapid transformation of organic matter. Suitable for cucumbers, but it must be taken into account that the top layer cools quickly at night and mineral substances are washed out of such light soils. This problem can be solved by adding compost or manure in the fall at the rate of 10 kg per 1 m2.
Sandstones are not suitable for growing cucumbers because they are not able to retain moisture, and with it minerals. In addition, such soils instantly warm up and cool down at night. You can improve the soil with rotted manure or peat. A more expensive and labor-intensive method is claying. It consists of adding 2 buckets of powdered clay for every square meter of land, then adding compost or manure and digging it up. The procedure is carried out annually for at least 3 years.
Peaty and marshy soil is not suitable for cucumbers. It is characterized by excessive fibrousness, moisture, organic matter practically does not decompose here, and the peat sours. You can distinguish this type of soil from others by its color - it will be light brown. To optimize the composition, you first need to dry it, then make channels for water drainage. After this, per 1 m2. half a bucket of sand, the same amount of powdered clay and about 1 kg of lime are added to the plot, depending on the acidity level. After this, the area is dug up to a depth of at least 20 cm.

Chemical composition

Cucumber is a valuable low-calorie product (14 kcal per 100 g).
The vitamin component of the vegetable is not very expressive. Most of the ingredient composition is water (95%), which contains a natural adsorbent that absorbs and removes poisons from the body. This is a natural cleansing substance with a spectrum of action similar to activated carbon. Table No. 1 “Nutritional value of cucumber”

Name	Concentration in 100 grams of raw materials, grams
Water	95
Carbohydrates	2,5
Mono- and disaccharides	2,5
Alimentary fiber	1,0
Squirrels	0,8
Ash	0,5
Pectin	0,4
Organic acids (tartaric, lactic)	0,1
Starch	0,1
Fats	0,1

Table No. 2 “Chemical composition of cucumber”

Name	Concentration in 100 grams of vegetable, milligram
Vitamins
Ascorbic acid (C)	10
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0,27
Niacin (B3)	0,2
Alpha tocopherol (E)	0,1
Pyridoxine (B6)	0,04
Riboflavin (B2)	0,04
Thiamine (B1)	0,03
Beta carotene (A)	0,005
Folic acid (B9)	0,004
Biotin (H)	0,0009
Macronutrients
Potassium	141
Phosphorus	42
Chlorine	25
Calcium	23
Magnesium	14
Sodium	8
Microelements
Zinc	0,22
Manganese	0,18
Iron	0,6
Copper	0,1
Fluorine	0,017
Chromium	0,006
Iodine	0,003
Cobalt	0,001
Molybdenum	0,001

Table No. 3 “Amino acid composition of cucumber”

Name	Concentration in 100 grams of product, grams
Glutamic acid	0,14
Arginine	0,05
Aspartic acid	0,05
Leucine	0,03
Serin	0,03
Glycine	0,03
Valin	0,03
Lysine	0,03
Phenylalanine	0,02
Proline	0,02
Isoleucine	0,02
Threonine	0,02
Tyrosine	0,02
Histidine	0,01
Methionine	0,01
Tryptophan	0,01

In addition to water, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fiber, cucumbers contain polyphenols (secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol, pinoresinol), which have an oncoprotective effect on the body.

Interestingly, on the island of Fiji, vegetables are considered the most valuable product, indicating human well-being. For example, the bride's parents do not consent to their daughter's marriage until the groom presents them with supplies of cucumbers.