How much and how to water cucumbers in a greenhouse

Watering rules

Watering cucumbers in a greenhouse and open ground has its own unique characteristics. Open ground provides natural ventilation. In a polycarbonate greenhouse, ventilation is provided manually. However, it provides a factor cucumbers love: increased humidity.

For a polycarbonate greenhouse, the following are the main recommendations for watering cucumbers:

1. Stability. This applies to both timing and quantity. Water regularly, with the frequency depending on the plant's age. Seedlings also need moderate watering. It's best not to vary the watering amount. This is only permissible if the plant's growth is too rapid and unfavorable. This refers to the presence of a large number of leaves and a lack of fruit set. In this case, skipping one watering will prevent the unwanted leaves from developing.
2. Watering location. Directing water directly at the plant's roots is strongly discouraged. This can lead to root exposure. This doesn't apply to seedlings. It can also lead to the development of a dangerous disease called root rot. If a root is exposed due to carelessness, the area should be covered with soil or the plant should be hilled up. It's best to use special furrows placed as close to the plants as possible for this purpose. This method prevents rot and provides the cucumbers with vital moisture.
3. Temperature. Cold water can damage both plants and seedlings. Be especially careful in cloudy, damp weather. Using cold water can lead to dampness and its consequences. It's best to water with room temperature water.
4. Monitoring the situation. To ensure proper development of cucumbers, they need to be constantly monitored. Even if you water the plants and seedlings regularly and thoroughly, wilting of the leaves is possible. Therefore, keep a close eye on them, and if this occurs, water them additionally.

These rules will help ensure a balanced supply of moisture for cucumbers. Next, we'll discuss quantity. At all stages of the plant's life cycle, it requires sufficient moisture:

• from planting to the beginning of flowering – 4-5 liters per square meter;
• From the beginning to the end of flowering, the norm is 9-12 liters per square meter. Regularity - every two or three days.
• After flowering, every other day. Water as usual. Also, monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.

Watering timing is also crucial. There are two completely opposing approaches to this issue. Most gardeners believe that cucumbers in a polycarbonate greenhouse should be watered strictly in the early morning or late evening to prevent leaf burn. However, many gardeners argue that the best time to water cucumbers is midday. They argue that this happens frequently in nature, and the plants don't die.

Video: How to Water Cucumbers

The video explains in detail how to water cucumbers in a greenhouse and avoid problems with their cultivation.

Drip irrigation

This type of irrigation system has long been common in industrial facilities, but it has only recently appeared in private polycarbonate greenhouses and open spaces. Both commercial and homemade systems are used for this type of irrigation. Cucumbers respond very well to this type of irrigation.

It has many advantages:

• saving time;
• savings, it is possible to irrigate with a certain amount of water;
• precise moisture distribution;
• ease of installation and availability of purchase;
• system resistance to weather changes and precipitation;
• the soil is not washed away or “flows away”, the roots are not exposed;
• automated operation of the system;
• relevance of use in large areas.

For cucumbers in polycarbonate greenhouses, drip irrigation is the best option. This can be used to water both seedlings and other plants.

Video: "Lots of tips for cucumbers: how to tie them up, feed them, etc."

The video's author, an experienced gardener, gives advice on growing cucumbers in greenhouse conditions.