How to grow cucumbers in open ground in the Leningrad region, the best varieties

Today we will look at the best varieties of cucumbers for growing in the Leningrad region: types, timing, etc. Of course, cucumbers are a demanding and capricious crop; they need sunlight, which, alas, is not much in the Leningrad region. But this is not a reason not to grow cucumbers.

Features of the climate of this region

Before you start discussing the types of cucumbers for planting in open ground, you need to understand the nuances of the climate of the Leningrad region. This region is large, and the methods of planting and growing cucumbers in the northern and southern parts are different. For example, in the northeast, growing a crop will not bear much fruit. But in the southern, central parts of this region, anyone can grow this crop. An excellent result is considered when the yield is from 5 to 8 kg of fruit per square meter.

You should also pay attention to the temperature regime. For example, in the Leningrad region, 1 year out of 5 brings a long spring and cold summer, and this has an adverse effect on the harvest. In general, this region is recognized as a risky farming area, since its climate does not allow normal farming.

How to increase productivity

Experienced gardeners have developed several methods to increase yields or reduce the risks of poor yields when growing crops in this unfavorable region.

• You need to immediately plant several varieties or hybrids that are suitable for growing them in open ground. Many people mistakenly believe that if a particular variety brought a decent harvest in a particular year, it will happen again. Alas, no, you need to pay attention to types of cucumbers that are resistant to cold, as well as resistant to various diseases. You should also choose varieties that ripen relatively quickly (up to about 45 days). The harsh conditions of the Leningrad region do not allow us to expect more.
• Self-pollinating and parthenocarpic varieties of cucumbers. Such species are used in special greenhouses, as well as greenhouses, but in the harsh corners of Russia they make sense.This is all due to the fact that there are not many sunny days in the Leningrad region. There is no point in completely abandoning varieties pollinated by insects, because they are useful and have many advantages.
• Covering plants. Since the weather in the Leningrad region is cold and cloudy, cucumbers simply need to be covered: with film or non-fabric material. To do this, you will need to build special structures that will resemble an arc in shape.

If you follow all the recommendations and provide the plants with proper care, then the likelihood of growing a good harvest even in such an unfavorable climate increases by 30 percent.

Important Terms

To get a decent harvest, it is important not only to choose the right seeds, but also to prepare the soil. You need to start doing this in the fall; it is advisable to add chicken droppings, humus or ash to the soil.

Although the climate in the Leningrad region is not dry, you still need to ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist and does not dry out in any case, this can have a detrimental effect on the plant.

In order for the soil to receive useful minerals, it is enough to scatter any dry droppings over its surface, and then simply dig it up using the usual method, after which you must water the soil. Please note that you should not water with tap water; you need to leave it for at least several hours, and then use it for irrigation.

It is very important to prepare cucumber seeds for planting. It is necessary to immediately after purchase dip them in a weak solution of potassium permanganate in order to get rid of various kinds of pests and diseases. It is advisable that they remain in the solution for at least 30 minutes. Next, you should soak the seed by placing it on moistened gauze. Make sure there is no water on the seeds or they may rot.When sprouts appear, the material for sowing can be planted in the ground, but only if it has already warmed up well.

In this region, germination is lower than in others, there is no need to be alarmed, the seeds will germinate in the near future. In some cases, the first leaves will appear three weeks after planting. After sowing, you need to immediately feed the seeds.

Top dressing

During the watering period, you should do at least 4 feedings of cucumbers:

• After planting cucumbers in the ground.
• As soon as three fully formed leaves appear.
• During the period when flowering will occur.
• When the fruits appear.

For a plant to bear fruit well, it needs nitrogen. If there is not enough of it, you can notice it by the appearance of the cucumbers: the leaves may curl, wither, become hook-shaped, and the flowers may fall off.

Even if you have carefully prepared the soil, the fertilizing period cannot be avoided. To do this, use the same regular bird droppings or any organic fertilizer.

Optimal varieties for cultivation in the Leningrad region

Now let's discuss cucumber varieties for open ground in the Leningrad region.

Madagascar

These cucumbers grow quickly and have a pleasant taste. Their main feature, which attracts many summer residents, is that a huge part of the greenery is formed on the vine, which is the main one. This makes it possible to collect fruits exclusively on Saturday and Sunday. Among their characteristics it is worth noting the following:

The fruits are cylindrical, short.

The weight of one cucumber is no more than 90 grams.

Grown cucumbers are used for preservation, in pickles, or simply eaten raw.

Fast and Furious

This species boasts early maturity. The harvest will be in 38 days, which is good news.The hybrid has the following features:

The shape of the fruit is cylindrical and the color is dark green.

The fruits are small in size, no more than 12 centimeters in length.

Openwork

The peculiarity of this species is long-term fruiting, and the first cucumbers will appear after 40 days. The variety is resistant to most diseases. The fruits are small, length is no more than 11 centimeters.

Athos

These cucumbers are used both for planting in greenhouse conditions and in open ground. The fruits of this species are small, no more than 9 cm long. They are dark green in color with small tubercles. The cucumbers will be crispy and can be used both fresh and canned.

Claudius

The main feature of the plant is its rapid growth and immunity to many diseases. The fruits are formed in the shape of a cylinder, and on the outside there are black spikes, the length of which is 10 centimeters.

Russian emerald F1

This species is mid-season, and the first harvest should be expected after 50–55 days. The variety is the best for its further preservation. The fruits are large, have white thorns and a dark green color. Length about 9–10 cm.

Sweet crunch F1

This type is different from the others. It has a light color, close to white. By the way, the name of the hybrid was given for a reason; the Sweet Crisp F1 variety is so pleasant that words cannot convey it.

Varieties for growing in greenhouses

Now let's look at several varieties that are suitable for growing in greenhouse conditions.

Erika

This species is resistant to diseases and is used for breeding in film greenhouses. Among the characteristics, the following should be highlighted:

• The shape of the fruit is cylindrical.
• The length of the cucumbers is 12 cm.
• The weight of one fruit is from 110 to 120 grams.
• The length of the bushes can reach up to 3.5 meters.

Juventa

This hybrid is grown during the winter-spring period. It has excellent taste and boasts the following characteristics:

• Fruit weight is from 220 to 280 grams.
• The shape of cucumbers is cylindrical.

Our Dasha

This species is mid-season and is suitable for planting in spring and summer in a greenhouse covered with film and without heating. Its main features:

• The fruits are long, all in tubercles.
• The weight of one cucumber does not exceed 90 grams.
• The bushes are vigorous, however, there are few branches.
• The variety is able to withstand low temperatures and some diseases.

All these species are excellent varieties of cucumbers for the Leningrad region for greenhouses.

Emelya

This hybrid is not afraid of diseases and brings a considerable harvest. It is grown in film greenhouses or heated greenhouses. Its fruits are long - 15 cm, and weight varies from 130 to 170 grams.

Zozulya

This species is similar to the previous one, but its fruits are both small and large. Weight can reach up to 280 grams. Cucumbers are suitable for canning.

Chaikovsky

This hybrid is an early hybrid; its fruits are all covered in black thorns with small pimples. These cucumbers can be planted and grown in film greenhouses or glass greenhouses. The fruits will surprise you with their unsurpassed taste.

You can find many more varieties, but these have excellent taste, are persistent and produce a good harvest.

Conclusion

Now you know how to properly grow cucumbers in the Leningrad region in open ground. In fact, it is simple if you know the climatic features of the region.