Growing cucumbers with a pyramid
When in small areas there is not enough space for all the desired crops, gardeners use unusual planting methods. Growing cucumbers with a pyramid is one of them. Refers to vertical types of beds in which plants are on top of each other. It also serves as a decorative decoration for the garden.
Growing cucumbers with a pyramid
Construction of a pyramid bed
To build such a bed, you will need 3 wooden boxes, which differ in size:
- 2x2x0.3;
- 1.4x1.4 mx0.3 m;
- 0.8x0.8x0.3 m.
You can use plastic, iron, etc. for the pyramid, but wood is more convenient to use and more environmentally friendly than other materials. It is pretreated with an antiseptic and covered with wax varnish. This will protect the material from decay. A place for a vertical bed is chosen in a well-lit area.
The next stage is filling with soil. The preparation process begins in the fall.
A layer of the following substances is laid at the bottom of the first box:
- weeds;
- tops;
- plant residues;
- straw;
- branches after pruning.
Manure is brought along the edges and everything is covered with turf soil, tamped. A second box is installed on top, then a third. Fill them in the same way. The finished structure is covered with plastic wrap and left as it is. During the winter period, the land will settle. It is possible to prepare the garden bed in the spring, but plant residues are not always preserved in the required amount by this time.
Advantages and disadvantages of a pyramid bed
There are advantages and disadvantages to this growing method. The advantages include:
- compactness - only 4 sq. m .;
- durability;
- friendly shoots;
- uniform growth of cucumbers;
- ease of care;
- convenience in harvesting;
- possibility of protection at low temperatures.
It also has a number of disadvantages:
- rapid drying out of the soil due to its small volume;
- depletion of the soil;
- there is a danger of freezing the ground;
- additional material and physical costs.
Landing
The structure for boxes can be made from planks
In the spring, the film is removed and the soil is fertilized: a mixture of compost and sod land is added to all levels of the pyramid. A stick is stuck into its center, to which twines are subsequently attached. Then the soil is well moistened.
Some gardeners take boards for boxes with a height of 0.2 m. But when planting, it should be borne in mind that the root system of cucumbers grows in depth by 30-40 cm. It also grows greatly in width. Therefore, for its correct development, it is necessary to provide the plants with enough space. If the structure does not have the required dimensions, you can use it to grow seedlings, and then transplant to another bed.
Semen preparation
First, a full-weight seed is taken and heated for a month at a temperature of 25˚С. Such indicators can be achieved with the help of heating devices. Thanks to these actions, the seedlings will be friendly, the number of barren flowers in the future will decrease.
Then the seeds are disinfected in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. To saturate them with useful elements, they are soaked in such a tool:
- 1 tsp wood ash;
- 1 tsp nitrophosphate;
- 1 liter of water.
After that, they are washed and placed on a damp gauze or bandage folded in several layers. Care must be taken that the fabric does not dry out. The seeds are germinated at a temperature of 25˚С. They should swell and hatch. Then they are placed in the refrigerator for a day.
Sowing
Seeds are planted in 24, 18 and 8 pieces, respectively, to the levels of the cucumber pyramid. Deepen by 2 cm. Seal from above for better contact with the ground. Place 3-4 seeds in one hole.
The soil temperature should be at least 14 ° C. After the appearance of the mouths, they are thinned out. Excess seedlings are cut off, it is not worth pulling them out, so as not to damage the root system of the rest. In plants of late varieties, pinch the top after the formation of 4-5 leaves. This contributes to the rapid emergence of female flowers.
Care
In order for the cultivation of cucumbers to give a good result, you must follow the rules for care.
Watering
On a bed in the form of a pyramid, cucumbers need frequent soil moisture. Watering is done according to the following recommendations:
- Moderate before flowering. Consumption - 3-6 liters per 1 sq. m. Repeat every 4-5 days.
- Abundant during flowering and fruiting. Consumption - 6-12 liters per 1 sq. m. Repeat every 2-3 days.
Water is used only warm (not lower than 25˚С) and settled. Watering is done with watering cans in the evening. Moistening with a jet can change the structure of the soil, damage the roots and shoots of plants. Due to the lack of water, cucumbers acquire a bitter taste. By the end of summer, watering is reduced in quantity and volume. This is done in order to prevent the development of rot.
Loosening the soil
You need to loosen cucumbers carefully
The root system of cucumbers is superficial. Therefore, when loosening, you must be extremely careful not to catch it. With each such procedure, weeds are removed. You can lay a layer of mulch. Organic substances are used: straw, sawdust, mowed lawn grass. They will help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent the development of weeds.
Some gardeners, instead of loosening, make punctures with a garden pitchfork to a depth of 10-15 cm. This procedure also facilitates the access of oxygen to the roots.
Tying
The strings are fixed on the central support. The overgrown shoots are carefully tied to their edge. Thanks to this, the cucumbers will not come into contact with the ground, they will receive good lighting.
Top dressing
Since during the preparation of the soil it was fertilized, nutrients are introduced in the second half of the summer. Twice a month they use such a remedy:
- 1 liter of fermented cow slurry;
- 1 liter of Baikal solution;
- 10 liters of water.
Cold protection
The culture feels good at a temperature of 25-30˚С and an air humidity of at least 70-80%. At 15 ° C, plants slow down their growth, and at 10 ° C and below, they stop altogether.
If the threat of frost has not passed, it is necessary to equip a frame over the cucumber pyramid. Spunbond can be pulled. This will prevent the soil and cucumbers from freezing.
Diseases and pests
Depending on the variety, the culture is often affected by various diseases:
- powdery mildew;
- downy mildew;
- brown spotting;
- fusarium wilting;
- gray, white, root rot.
For their prevention, it is recommended
- plant treated seeds;
- observe the temperature regime;
- keep the pyramid bed clean;
- pour warm water;
- choose resistant varieties.
In order to detect diseases in time, frequent inspections of plants should be carried out. If damage is found, they will be removed and burned. Against fungal diseases, dusting with wood ash and spraying with Bordeaux mixture are used in treatment. Treatment with Fitosporin and other fungicides also helps, which are used according to the attached instructions.
Conclusion
Cucumber pyramid is an excellent solution for growing cucumbers.Planting zelentsy should be done according to the climate conditions in the region.
A culture in such a bed will delight you with a good harvest with proper care. Timely harvesting will increase fruiting.