There is a secret ingredient that, if poured under cucumbers, can make them grow in number and flourish. What ingredient are we talking about?

Feeding cucumbers correctly is an essential step to ensure a successful harvest.

Neglecting this stage can lead to stunted plant growth and slow development, leading to the production of unsatisfactory fruit, unsuitable for salting, bad tasting and twisted in shape.

To ensure optimal growth and development , it is important to understand how and what to properly fertilize cucumbers.

When nitrogen is low, it is often visible through the leaves of the plants turning a pale green hue and the fruits becoming small and spindly.

Furthermore, the growth of the plant tends to slow down, and the roots suffer progressive deterioration.

When soil is deficient in potassium, cucumbers become vulnerable to a variety of diseases, resulting in bronze-colored leaves and a noticeable brown trim on the edges.

The presence of light green patches on the lower leaves of a plant is a sign of magnesium deficiency. As this deficiency continues, the leaves will turn yellow and eventually fall off the plant.

In case of low yield of cucumbers, there may be a delay in their ripening, potentially due to a manganese deficiency.

However, when this element is present in adequate quantities, cucumbers undergo a process of intense respiration and effectively assimilate essential nutrients .

Cucumbers: when should they be fed?

Knowing when to feed cucumbers is essential to ensure optimal growth and yield. It is best to fertilize cucumbers two weeks after planting and once a month thereafter.

Cucumbers should be provided with sustenance at specific intervals. After being sown in the soil for a period of two weeks, the first feeding occurs.

The second feeding should be done once the cucumbers have flowered. The moment the plants begin to bear fruit marks the third feeding period .

The final one, which is completed by gardeners interested in extending the lifespan of their plants, is the fourth and final stage of the feeding process.

What is needed for nutrition

To properly feed and care for your cucumber plants, there are some specific requirements that must be met. First, cucumbers require a constant supply of nutrients , especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Additionally, they require well-draining soil rich in organic matter , such as compost or well-rotted manure. Adequate and constant watering is required, as cucumbers are sensitive to drought stress.

Finally, it’s important to keep an eye out for pests and diseases that commonly afflict cucumber plants, such as cucumber beetles and powdery mildew, and take appropriate preventative measures to ensure a healthy, productive harvest .

When it comes to nourishing plants, relying on traditional remedies can be very beneficial. Some of the most powerful solutions for this purpose include:

• eggshell has been found to be an excellent source of nutrients for cucumbers. This fertilizer is composed of 95% calcium carbonate that is easily assimilated by the plant organism. Additionally, the shell contains a wealth of essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus , organic protein, and potassium that help enrich the soil;
• Wood ash is an especially useful resource for both pest management and plant disease prevention. Its effectiveness is particularly notable during the flowering period of the cucumbers and when the fruits appear ;
• onion skins can offer cucumbers a helping hand in fighting both disease and pests. They also have a positive impact on the ability of cucumbers to adapt to different environmental conditions. To feed cucumbers, make a decoction using onion husks. This can be achieved by boiling 100g of onion peels in 1 liter of hot water, then allowing it to cool before using as a watering solution.

Other methods of feeding

Using manure as fertilizer is crucial for those looking to grow a high-quality crop.

However, it is important to exercise caution and avoid excessive use of organic fertilizers, as this can lead to overgrowth of bushes and the creation of gaps within the fruit.

The growth stimulation of shrubs and fruits can be attributed to the presence of yeasts. This is because the yeast contains vital trace elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium , which are essential for the nutrition of cucumbers.

However, it is important to ensure that the yeast solution is applied correctly. This should be done from mid-May until late summer, when the soil has warmed significantly.

Potato peels are a valuable source of organic acids, fats, potassium, starch , vitamin C, glucose and salt.

When added to the soil, they greatly enrich its composition. Also, when they decompose, they generate heat, which promotes the growth of cucumbers .

However, it should be noted that potato peels also attract pests such as slugs and Colorado beetles .

While this may seem like a disadvantage, it can be turned into an advantage by using them as bait to target and eliminate these crop-damaging pests .

Using folk remedies for feeding cucumbers has numerous benefits. These remedies are both affordable and easily accessible.

When it comes to providing nutrients to tomatoes and cucumbers, eggshells are far more effective than the chemical alternatives sold in garden stores while also being safer to use.

Popular condiments have been tried and tested for years and have never failed, unlike prepackaged concoctions which cannot guarantee the same level of success.

The best food for cucumbers? Egg shells

Cucumber growers can benefit from using eggshells as a source of valuable trace elements.

These shells contain a wealth of beneficial substances and essential microelements, which are readily absorbed by cucumbers.

As a result, these trace elements promote healthy growth and help cucumbers resist harsh environmental factors .

Before using eggshells as a food source, the shells must undergo preparation that involves washing, drying and thorough shredding.

This can be done through the use of a meat grinder , coffee grinder, or mortar. Attempting to crack eggshells manually is a challenging undertaking and not recommended.

The usefulness of larger shell pieces is reduced compared to chopped ones. Additionally, shells that are too large run the risk of being damaged during weeding .

Once the eggshell has been processed and ground, the fertilizer is now ready.

Subsequently, the produced powder should be spread under the roots during the weeding process.

This way, the shredded eggshells will mix with the soil. This simple step concludes the process.