How often should cucumbers be watered in open ground?

Watering frequency

Cucumbers love water. However, overwatering or allowing water to stagnate is a bad idea. The plant's root system is uniquely structured and requires constant moisture. If cucumbers are underwatered, their leaves may darken and become brittle. Overwatering, however, will deplete the soil of oxygen. This will cause the leaves to turn pale, the shoots to slow down, and the leaves to become green.

Fluctuations in moisture levels and significant temperature fluctuations cause bitterness in fruits. It's important to monitor soil moisture, especially in hot weather. It should be at least 80%. If the moisture level drops to 30%, the fruit will begin to wilt.

Gardeners often overwater their cucumbers when they arrive at their dachas. They know the plant loves water, but they don't realize how much it needs. Their overprotective care leads to root rot and reduced yields.

How often should cucumbers be watered outdoors? In summer, watering should be done at least twice a week. In extreme heat, water every other day. After young plants are planted outdoors in the spring, water them weekly. If the soil is clayey, water less frequently but with more water. This is due to clay's ability to retain moisture.

What time of day is best to water?

Proper watering is done in the morning or evening. During the day, when temperatures are highest, water droplets splashing on leaves can cause burns. Furthermore, during hot hours, moisture evaporates quickly, making watering less effective.

If the soil in your area is too dry, don't immediately "revive" it by flooding it with water. It's better to water gradually, in small doses.

Weeding the beds should be done very carefully, because the roots of cucumbers are located very close to the surface.

Water requirements

Before you start watering, you need to choose the right water. Under no circumstances should the crop be moistened with cold water. It negatively affects the plant's roots, interfering with their natural ability to absorb water. Water temperature should not exceed 19°C. If using well water, a special reservoir should be created on the site where it can warm up in the sun.

Watering rules and techniques

There are various ways to water vegetables: using a hose, buckets, or watering cans. Proper watering ensures that water only hits the soil. This ensures maximum soil moisture and nourishes the roots.

Drip irrigation is an effective way to grow vegetables. You can purchase a ready-made system or build your own. The main advantage of drip irrigation is that it delivers water directly to the roots. As a result, vegetables grow quickly, saving water and reducing weeds in the garden. Fertilizing is often done in parallel with watering, which has a positive effect on their development.

So, growing cucumbers is not difficult if you follow all the care tips and water them according to all the rules.

Video: How to Water Cucumbers

In this video, an experienced gardener will share the secrets of properly watering cucumbers.