How to speed up the ripening of cucumbers in a greenhouse: proven methods

Correct temperature conditions

The first thing every gardener needs to know is that there shouldn't be any sudden temperature fluctuations in the greenhouse. Temperatures should be maintained at a moderately high level and consistently.

Cucumbers love warmth, so keep this in mind. Even at night, when temperatures drop, it's crucial to keep temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius.

Remember that the maximum dangerous temperature for greenhouse cucumbers is 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, seedling growth stops, and all physiological processes in the vegetable crop slow down. The seedlings will survive for a few days at low greenhouse temperatures, but after five days, they simply die. Therefore, it is recommended to heat the greenhouse during cold periods.

How to do this at home? Dig several small holes in the garden beds, up to 50 cm in diameter and up to 30 cm deep. Leave a distance of 2 meters between them to ensure even soil warming. Fill the holes with straw-based manure, sawdust, dry grass, and straw. Top this off with hot urea. Remember to follow the dilution ratio: 10 tablespoons of urea per bucket of water (10 liters).

Greenhouse cucumber seedlings are sensitive to frost. The best way to protect yourself is to cover the structure with sheets of roofing felt or rags during this period. There are other ways to maintain warmth. Farmers often place electric heaters, buckets of warm water, or use heat guns in the greenhouse—it all depends on your capabilities and preferences.

Video "Secrets of Greenhouse Growing"

This video will show you how to properly grow cucumbers in a greenhouse to get a good harvest.

Ensuring optimal carbon dioxide levels

Full fruiting of cucumbers is impossible without adequate levels of carbon dioxide in the greenhouse, as it is a key component of photosynthesis. Typically, the percentage of carbon dioxide in the air is 0.03%. However, indoors, this level can be increased to 0.5%, significantly accelerating the development of vegetable crops. So, what happens in greenhouses? Plants constantly use carbon dioxide during the day, so a deficiency of this element can occur. What should be done in such a case? The best option is dry ice, which is spread throughout the greenhouse.

Some gardeners prefer gas burners. Another way to increase the carbon dioxide concentration in the greenhouse is to use one or two containers of cow manure. As it ferments, it releases carbon dioxide. You can also mulch the substrate with manure. The layer shouldn't be too thick—3-5 cm. By increasing the carbon dioxide content in the air, you'll get a fairly bountiful harvest of greenhouse cucumbers.

Ventilation of the greenhouse

Greenhouse cucumber gardens require proper care. Ventilating the area where vegetables and flowers are grown is essential. How can you tell if you're experiencing stagnant air in your greenhouse? Check the soil: with proper watering, the top layer of soil shouldn't remain constantly damp. However, if high humidity persists, this is the cause of your stagnant air problems. Ventilating greenhouses is especially important during hot weather, otherwise dampness combined with high temperatures can lead to poor cucumber yields.

How to water plants properly

How can you speed up the growth of your vegetable crop? Regular watering is essential. However, it's important not to overdo it.

For example, in winter, cucumbers should be watered sparingly to avoid excess moisture in the greenhouse. In summer, during extreme heat, farmers typically increase the frequency of watering: it's recommended to water the plants daily or at least every other day.

Avoid watering cucumbers with cold water, as this can be stressful for the vegetable plant. As for the optimal time of day for watering greenhouse cucumbers, evening is best.

Regular fertilizing of plants

Fertilizer options for greenhouse cucumbers vary. Some gardeners prefer to purchase ready-made mineral fertilizer mixes from specialty stores. However, experienced gardeners often opt for natural fertilizers: they're easy to make, and the necessary ingredients are readily available. For example, black bread is a popular fertilizer. Cut it into pieces and soak it in water. Let the mixture steep for seven days. Once ready to use, water the cucumbers with it at least once a week.

Wood ash is also highly effective. It contains large amounts of calcium, which strengthens plants. How to use this fertilizer? Sprinkle dry ash over your garden beds immediately before watering. This will help the soil absorb the fertilizer more effectively, and you'll soon see the results. Farmers who raise chickens will find it interesting that their manure is also considered a natural cucumber fertilizer. It can be used dry or as a diluted mixture. Chicken manure contains zinc, nitrogen, and copper. Feel free to water your cucumbers with this solution during the peak fruiting season.

Recommendations from experienced gardeners

Increasing cucumber yield is possible by following key tips from experienced specialists. Here are some additional points to consider:

• Interestingly, if you want to achieve high yields, you should reduce the daylight hours. Around 6 p.m., cover the greenhouse with thick black film and remove it no earlier than 7 a.m.;
• Before sowing, it is recommended to soak cucumber seeds in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for 24 hours. After this procedure, rinse them with clean water, dry them, and only then sow them. This will speed up fruiting.
• If you place several containers with fermenting grass near the beds, the carbon dioxide level will rise, which will give you the opportunity to increase the rate of ripening of cucumbers.

You can ensure a full harvest of this vegetable crop by following key recommendations from experienced gardeners.

Method for increasing female flowers

How can I increase the number of female flowers on cucumbers? Experienced gardeners use a tried-and-true method: smoking. This procedure should be performed before the vegetable crop begins to flower. Watering should be stopped approximately five days before smoking. Place a chimney-less iron stove in the greenhouse and fill it with burning coals. Place firewood on top of the stove. Smoldering wood will release carbon monoxide.

Thus, with the help of the smoking procedure, the vegetable crop will bloom with a larger number of female flowers. A faster cucumber harvest is the pride of any experienced gardener. This multi-step process is worth putting all your effort into, and the results will not be long in coming.

Video: "Fertilizers for Growth Stimulation"

This video will show you what fertilizers to use to speed up vegetable growth.