For soils with high acidity, calcium nitrate is simply necessary. Calcium nitrate absorbs iron, manganese and metal acidity in the soil. When receiving calcium contained in nitrate, the root system begins to develop fruitfully. Therefore, fertilizing cucumbers is necessary after 7–10 days.
Calcium nitrate for cucumbers
Is it possible to treat cucumbers with calcium nitrate? Calcium is not the main component, so it is called calcium nitrate.
Water the cucumbers using a watering can without a sprayer so that the solution gets right under the root of the plant, otherwise the leaves may be damaged and covered with white spots.
If the fruits grow hooked and thickened at the stalk or base, they do not have enough potassium and magnesium. In this case, it is necessary to feed the cucumbers. During fruiting, you should not overuse fertilizing.
Properties of calcium nitrate
Due to a lack of calcium, the root system begins to rot and the plant dies.
Potassium nitrate - nitrate fertilizer, but if you follow the correct dosages and timing of fertilizing, it does not harm human health at all, but has a very positive effect on the harvest. If the cucumbers become lethargic and begin to weaken, the properties of saltpeter can revive the plants again, and the cucumbers will develop and bear fruit throughout the entire growth period.
Use of saltpeter
More gardeners use potassium nitrate on their plots. Its use is very widely practiced in agriculture, especially for fodder crops. It is known that potassium nitrate promotes abundant growth of greenery.
By adding this type of fertilizer to the soil before planting, seeds and tubers germinate much faster. The roots become strong and resistant to various types of diseases. Thanks to calcium nitrate, winter crops can more easily tolerate sudden temperature changes.
Fertilize cucumbers with calcium nitrate
Potassium nitrate is simply necessary for feeding cucumbers. It is necessary to apply fertilizer to the soil in early spring when digging the soil. If this work is done in the fall, in the spring all the beneficial qualities will disappear along with the snow.
It is not recommended to combine calcium nitrate with other mineral fertilizers that contain sulfate and nitrate.Calcium nitrate will help seedlings sprout faster. During the first period of growth, fertilizer is necessary for the plant. Subsequent fertilizing should be applied throughout the entire growth period.
In these cases, water not only the root system, but spray the fertilizer over the entire plant. This spraying will prevent the appearance of blossom end rot.
The first spraying of cucumbers can be carried out no earlier than the appearance of three full leaves. Initial doses should be minimal: 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per 6 liters of warm water. As the plant grows, the dose is gradually increased, but not more than three tablespoons.
To fertilize cucumbers in a greenhouse, foliar feeding is carried out early in the morning or in the evening. Fertilizers are applied during the day on cloudy days. From the moment the plants are planted in the greenhouse shelter, the cucumbers are fed with calcium nitrate at least three times:
- The first feeding is carried out during the formation of the first two independent leaves.
- The second - 14 days after the first.
- The third is held a month after the second.
Calcium nitrate is produced in two types: in the form of small crystals and in white granules.
Experienced gardeners prefer fertilizer in crystals, because this way the fertilizer is easily absorbed in the soil and quickly dissolves in water.
Fertilizing cucumbers in a greenhouse
In order for vegetables to bear fruit for a long time and abundantly, they must be fertilized with calcium nitrate for cucumbers. In a greenhouse, the soil is rarely enriched with useful minerals. In addition to root feeding, foliar feeding is also necessary. It is better to spray the solution onto the leaves from a spray bottle, then the drops will be small and will not spread.
It is not recommended to spray in hot, sunny weather. The fertilizer will not have time to be absorbed, but will simply evaporate; the leaves may get burned and turn white.You should start feeding the plants with saltpeter for cucumbers before transplanting them into the greenhouse so that the roots have time to fully strengthen.
Ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate is in no way inferior to calcium nitrate in terms of the content of useful substances, and is rich in calcium and magnesium.
This top dressing is considered one of the most popular and in demand. The universal property of this composition allows it to be mixed with other fertilizers. Treatment with ammonium nitrate stimulates the growth and fruiting of vegetable crops. Available in granules or white powders. Fertilizer can be applied dry or as a solution.
Fertilizer can be applied in early spring, as soon as the snow melts. Used for feeding crops planted in autumn (winter crops). Nitrate is also used to control pests that multiply in the soil. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant potatoes, onions, carrots and other vegetables in the same place.
Fertilizing cucumbers with ammonium nitrate
Ammonium nitrate solution is the cheapest and most accessible among a number of fertilizers. Contains nitrogen, which is so necessary for the growth and harvest of cucumbers. But it is worth warning that you need to be very careful when feeding: cucumber leaves cannot be sprayed with ammonium nitrate.
This substance can be harmful - the foliage will receive a chemical burn and the plant will die. For safety, fertilizer is placed in the ground during loosening, where it is mixed with the soil, and then the root system will not be damaged, but will receive all the necessary nutrients.
Plants can be watered with a weak solution of ammonium nitrate. However, it is extremely rare to feed cucumbers in this way, especially in the fall and during fruiting.Before preparing the solution, consult with specialists in what proportions to prepare and how to fertilize.
How to prepare the solution
From the first days of planting seedlings, cucumbers should sometimes be fed. Ammonium nitrate must be diluted in warm water until the powder is completely dissolved.
For a ten-liter bucket of water - 10 grams of saltpeter. Cucumbers should be fertilized no more than 10 times per season. If the plant grows well and bears fruit, there is no need for fertilizing.
Excessive amounts of nitrogen can harm the plant. During fruiting, it is not recommended to water cucumbers with ammonium nitrate - the fruits will absorb pesticides.
This fertilizer is safe for other vegetables - the majority of vegetable crops are not saturated with nitrate. Many summer residents noted that vegetables fed with ammonium nitrate in the garden brought an excellent harvest. Ammonium nitrate fertilizers are used in all regions with different climatic conditions. The properties of ammonium are indispensable for acidic soil.
Fertilizing greenhouse cucumbers
Cucumber is one of the fastest ripening vegetable crops. Does not require seedling cultivation. In greenhouses and greenhouses it ripens earlier than other vegetables. If you use all the rules and regulations, you can achieve the desired yield.
It is necessary to provide:
- fertile soil;
- sufficient lighting;
- timely watering;
- the right fertilizer.
Cucumbers require a potassium solution, which nourishes the root system, and through it the entire plant is enriched. Pay attention to the composition of the fertilizer. Chlorine, which is part of many fertilizers, is categorically harmful to cucumbers. Experiment with individual bushes before applying fertilizer. If after 4–5 days the appearance of the fed vegetables does not deteriorate, feel free to fertilize the rest.
In greenhouses you need to be especially careful with fertilizing. In hot, sunny weather, feeding and spraying cannot be done. In addition to chemical fertilizers, you can use safer ones - organic ones. The most famous and popular is manure. Plants are fed with its solution throughout the season.
With the onset of cold weather, cucumbers stop growing and bearing fruit; there is no point in applying fertilizer. With the appearance of fruit set, fertilizing with chemical fertilizers must be stopped; instead, you can switch to organic matter, which does not contain substances harmful to health, and the result is no worse.
