Cucumbers have a relatively short growing cycle and produce a large number of flowers during cultivation. By carefully planning the sowing schedule and planting two crops per year—once in summer and once in autumn—it is possible to significantly reduce costs while increasing income.
The first crop should be sown in mid-May, transplanted in mid-June, and harvested in early July and August. The second crop is started in mid-July, transplanted in early August, and harvested in September and October. It’s important not to plant too late, as lower temperatures later in the season can negatively affect yield. When sowing, use seedlings and ensure the soil is well-watered before planting. Place 1-2 seeds per hill and cover them with about 1 cm of soil. After sowing, insert trellises and cover with shade nets to protect against high temperatures and storms. Once the seedlings emerge, monitor them closely.
For variety selection, choose heat-tolerant, disease-resistant, and adaptable types that thrive under long-day conditions, such as Jinchun 4, Jinza 2, Jinyan 3, and Ningfeng 1. Use approximately 50-100 grams of seeds per mu.
Soil preparation involves mixing 2500 kg of human manure, 100 kg of cake fertilizer, and 50 kg of Hui Manfeng granular fertilizer after wheat harvest. Create double rows spaced 100-120 cm apart, with trenches dug around the field for drainage. Cover the ridges with black mulch to prevent rain, retain moisture, and suppress weeds.
Transplant seedlings when they are about 25 days old, with 3-4 leaves. Plant around 3500-4000 seedlings per mu. For the second crop, place it near the roots of the first crop. Apply ethephon (150-200 mg per liter of water) at the 3-leaf and 6-leaf stages to increase female flower production and improve yield.
Water and fertilizer management is crucial. After transplanting, apply 500 kg of human waste and water to help the plants establish. Use "Little Fertilizer" to promote root development. Once the plants are rooted, apply 30 kg of deep fertilizer per mu. In the later growth stage, foliar sprays like Plant Vigor and Plant Power 2003 can be used to boost plant health. During summer and autumn, when temperatures are high and the sun is strong, water in the evening to avoid drought stress.
Pruning is essential for optimal growth. Immediately erect the main vines after transplanting. Remove side vines growing from the main vine up to the sixth node, and leave one leaf on the side vines beyond that. Once the main vine reaches the trellis, allow it to grow naturally by pinching off the tip.
Pest control includes using mothionine and chlorothalonil to manage downy mildew and powdery mildew. Control aphids and other pests with CPT and Wanling. Spray every 7-10 days to maintain protection.
Harvesting timing is critical. Early harvesting helps promote the growth of upper fruits and overall plant development. Harvest every 2-3 days, and pick fully mature fruits daily to maintain quality and maximize yield.
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