Rules for soaking cucumber seeds before planting
Growing various horticultural crops is not an easy and painstaking task, so gardeners are looking for many ways to achieve maximum results. Soaking cucumber seeds before planting to improve yield is one of the well-proven procedures that is often used. It has its own nuances, but with proper preparation and implementation, it can bring a rich harvest to its hardworking agrarian.
Rules for soaking cucumber seeds before planting
What is soaking
Seed soaking is the immersion of future seedlings in a special solution in order to improve their sowing properties. Usually, this procedure is suitable for seeds before sowing, which have a lack of moisture and need extra attention. Thanks to soaking, it is possible to unleash the full potential of plants, make them work at full strength and, in some way, strengthen immunity against various diseases.
The procedure is carried out in a container made of glass or plastic. The best options would be a jar or container where the seeds are stored. It should be noted that not every seed is suitable for soaking. For example, grains that have already been warmed up and, moreover, processed, it is better not to soak, as this will have a very detrimental effect on their quality. The hatched seeds are often rejected as well, since they do not always germinate perfectly after treatment. It is believed that it is better not to take risks when seeing germinating seeds, especially if you are a professional gardener who can choose the most promising from a variety of seeds.
Means for soaking seeds
There are several proven preparations that are involved in the soaking of grains and perform excellently before sowing. They differ:
- harmlessness and safety;
- ease of use;
- the presence of nutrients and substances useful for seedlings;
- natural growth stimulants in the composition.
Despite the unifying features, there is no better processing system, because each drug has its own individual characteristics.
Epin
One of the leading products is Epin, which is based on herbal ingredients. If the seeds are soaked in it, they will become much stronger and will not be afraid of temperature changes. With Epin, future seedlings are not threatened to die either from frost or as a result of a lack of sunlight.
Zircon
A proven remedy is Zircon, the main component of which is chicoric acid. It is designed to stimulate growth and accelerate the rooting process.
Humin
Soaking cucumber seeds in Humin sodium humate is also very beneficial. This solution not only improves seed germination before planting, but also contains many nutrients important for full development, which cucumbers need so much.
Some gardeners soak seeds in a product containing a number of trace elements. This is necessary if the open ground in which the seedlings are planted has a meager content of substances useful for the grains.
Folk remedies for soaking
Those who seek to use everything natural, before sowing, may well be able to use proven methods that have long been used by the people.
With aloe
Aloe juice is a great option, where you can soak the seeds by wrapping them in a cloth. The plant has powerful antibacterial properties and also stimulates the growth of plants that sprout faster.
With ash
An ash solution has proven itself well, thanks to which the treated plants can be saturated with minerals and receive everything they need for full development. Just 2 tbsp is enough. tablespoons of ash mixed with 1 spoon of boiled water to nourish the seeds.
With honey
Seeds can be soaked in honey solution
A honey-based solution is another option for saturating future seedlings. It is prepared according to the proportion: 1 tsp. honey in a glass of water. It is enough to put a bag of cloth there, in which the grains of both pure cucumbers and hybrids will lie.
With potato juice
Another option from the people is potato juice. You need to take a few potatoes, peel them and be sure to leave them in the refrigerator for several hours. After that, the fruits must be squeezed out, and cucumber seeds must be put in the resulting juice.
with onion skins
For the time-tested onion peel method, you need a liter of boiling water containing the ash solution. Manganese (1 g), 0.2 g of boric acid and soda (5 g) are added there. The components are mixed well, and then future cucumbers are added to them.
With peroxide
Very often, hydrogen peroxide is added to an existing composition. This product helps to stimulate seed growth as well as prepare for sowing. 3% of the composition is enough to carry out the soaking procedure as efficiently as possible.
Amount of time to soak
To carry out the procedure efficiently, you need, no doubt, to know many of the nuances.
It is important to take into account such a moment as preliminary disinfection. If you intend to carry out this procedure, then you will need a solution of potassium permanganate. It takes only 20-60 minutes for the seeds to receive their portion of disinfection.
How long should the seeds be soaked? As a rule, the time it takes for seeds to settle in the liquid can vary - there is no single rule. If you take ready-made products, then the average aging period of seeds in them will be 2-3 days.
If we talk about solutions prepared at home, then the amount of time that future seedlings will spend in liquid can vary:
- So, in aloe juice, it is enough to hold the seeds for only 24 hours. This time is enough to achieve the desired effect, and then germination.
- To soak cucumber seeds before planting in an ash solution, it will take at least 2 days for the product to infuse. Only in this case will it be possible to achieve the desired result. After 3-6 hours, the processed future cucumber seedlings are ready for further action by the farmer.
- When using a solution of honey, it will take only 6 hours for the agent to have a beneficial effect on the plants, and the treatment is of high quality. Skinless potatoes take a little longer to cook, as does seed. It will take him at least 8 hours to be fully ready for further use.
- When using a solution based on onion peels, it will take only 5-6 hours, and the seeds will receive everything they need to be stronger and more active in growth.
Soaking secrets
Having found out in what conditions and for how long the seeds need to be soaked, you can safely start the procedure. To do this, you need a container of solution and gauze or a cloth.You need to carefully put the seeds in it, and then wrap it tightly. You can use a plastic bag to put the seed in. Some women use an old bra with foam cups as rags, which creates a certain percentage of heat, which is important for seedlings before the planting and germination stage.
You can also put the material wrapped for seeding in the jar with the lid tightly closed. This will keep the plants at the right temperature.
Among other things, it should be noted that:
- melt water is best suited for soaking;
- chlorine-based liquid cannot be used at all;
- the optimal water temperature is 26-30 degrees, and the presence of hot water is not allowed;
- the fabric should be in water all the time so that the seeds do not die from dryness;
- it is best to place seeds between layers of fabric - so they get more moisture.
If the processing goes right, then the seed will not fail, and after a few days the happy gardener will be able to plant it in the ground and then get a generous harvest of cucumbers.