Cucumbers are easy-to-care-for vegetables that grow quickly as long as they are watered properly, kept in a warm location, and fertilized at the right time. Continue reading this article to discover the most important tips for watering and fertilizing cucumbers:
When Should I Water Cucumbers?
Cucumber plants need about 2.5–5 cm of water per week, or more during high temperatures. The most important care requirement for cucumbers is consistent watering, as irregular watering can cause a bitter taste in the fruits.
The general rule is to provide a steady amount of water after planting and increase it once cucumbers begin to flower.
- In spring: water every 2–3 days after flowering.
- In summer: cucumbers need watering 4–6 times per week.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Watering Cucumbers
- Increase the frequency of watering when cucumber seedlings begin to emerge. Fluctuating watering can reduce yield.
- Water slowly in the morning or afternoon, and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent leaf diseases that may destroy the plant.
- Use a drip irrigation system with a soaker hose for deep watering and to keep foliage dry. Shallow watering can reduce cucumber production.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to maintain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
When Is the Right Time to Fertilize Cucumbers?
Shortly after planting, cucumber plants will begin producing flowers. This is the ideal time to fertilize them. Generally, fertilizers rich in the three essential nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—are recommended.
- Nitrogen supports leaf growth.
- Phosphorus and potassium promote fruit development.
Fertilizing Cucumbers
Cucumbers need low nitrogen and higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium. High nitrogen levels promote vigorous leaf growth but result in poor-quality fruits and can even delay flowering.
How to Fertilize Cucumbers
- If the soil was amended with organic matter before planting, the plant may only need a side-dress of compost.
- If the soil was not prepared beforehand, use a liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-5, applied one week after growth begins and every three weeks thereafter.
Apply the fertilizer directly to the soil around the plants, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to stunted fruits.
Examples of Suitable Fertilizers for Cucumbers
Here are some recommended fertilizers and their NPK ratios:
- 18-18-21 Miracle-Gro 2000422 Plant Food
- 4-6-3 Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato & Herb Fertilizer
- 18-18-21 Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food
- Espoma Garden-Tone Organic Fertilizer 3-4-4
- Down To Earth | Organic Vegan Fertilizer Mix 3-2-2
