Picking cucumbers sounds complicated. But this only means giving the seedlings more space, air and light. But the delicate cucumber seedlings are sensitive to root injury. This is how cucumber seedlings can be pricked out safely and healthily - tried and tested recommendations for hobby gardeners.

When can you prick cucumbers?

You grew cucumbers yourself a few weeks ago? Now the seedlings cramp each other. When they have formed the first 2 leaves, it is the right time to prick out. This gives the plants more space. But beware! Pre-grown cucumber seedlings like to sprout up quickly. The roots and stalks are still weak and easily break off when pricked out.

The better alternative than pickling cucumbers:

Simply sow cucumber seeds in seed containers such as egg cartons or commercial peat seed pots. Since these seed pots rot in the ground, the seedlings can be transplanted directly into the garden or greenhouse with them. Anyone who wants to prick out robust cucumber seedlings traditionally needs:

  • Rotting plant pots
  • pricking earth
  • algae substrate
  • spoon or tweezers

Prick cucumbers correctly - that's how it works

Fill plant pots with sifted pricking soil. Prick (pierce) a small planting hole in the middle with your finger or spoon. Add some algae substrate for better root formation. Carefully dig out the seedling with a spoon or tweezers and stick it in the pricking soil. Fill in the pricking soil and press down lightly. Give in some pricking soil - spray or water - done. Place the transplanted plants in the greenhouse or on the windowsill. Protect from sun and draughts. This is how they survive the transplant shock.

After transplanting, the plantlets grow more vigorously. Nevertheless, they first have to get used to the new pot. They form more roots that branch out more. The more roots, the more water and nutrients they can absorb. When the outside temperature is around 15°C, place the plants outside during the day. So they slowly get used to the more intensive UV radiation and the outdoor climate.

From seedling to cucumber

When the transplanted young plants are 20 centimeters tall, they are planted in their final location from April. To do this, carefully plant the cucumbers with the complete root ball in pots or in the bed. And as deep as they were in the pricking vessel. In addition to heat, it now requires a little more care, lukewarm watering and fertilizer.

tips and tricks

Growing your own cucumbers in a greenhouse is faster and more reliable than outdoors. Plants are better protected from diseases and pests indoors.

Category:

Vegetable garden