Growing cucumbers with a pyramid

When the small plots do not have enough space for all the desired crops, gardeners use unusual methods of planting. Growing cucumbers with a pyramid is one of them. Refers to vertical types of beds, on which plants are on top of each other. It also serves as a decorative decoration for the garden.

Growing cucumbers with the pyramid

Constructing a pyramid bed

To build such a ridge y, you will need 3 wooden boxes, which differ in size:

• 2x2x0.3;
• 1.4×1.4 mx0.3 m;
• 0, 8×0.8×0.3 m.

You can use plastic, iron, etc. for the pyramid, but the tree is more convenient to use and environmentally friendly than other materials. It is pre-treated with an antiseptic and coated 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 step is to fill the soil. The preparation process begins in the autumn.

A layer of the following substances is laid on the bottom of the first box:

• weeds;
• tops;
• plant residues;
• straw;
• twigs after pruning.

Manure is brought along the edges and all is covered with turfy earth, rammed. A second box is installed on top, then a third. Fill them with the same method. The finished structure is covered with plastic wrap and left in this form. During the winter, the land will settle. You can prepare the garden in the spring, but not by this time the plant remains in the right amount are saved.

Advantages and disadvantages of the pyramid garden

This method of cultivation has advantages and disadvantages . The advantages include:

• compactness – only 4 square meters. m .;
• durability;
• friendly shoots;
• uniform growth of cucumbers;
• ease of care;
• convenience when harvesting;
• the ability to protect at low temperatures.

It also has several disadvantages:

• quick drying of the soil due to the small its volume;
• soil depletion;
• there is a risk of freezing of the earth;
• additional material and physical costs.

Landing

The design for the boxes can be made from boards

In the spring, they remove the film and fertilize the soil: a mixture of compost and turf soil is added to all levels of the pyramid. A stick is inserted into its center, to which twine is subsequently attached. Then the soil is well moistened.

Some gardeners take boards for boxes 0.2 m high. 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 very wide. Therefore, for its proper development, it is necessary to provide plants with enough space. If the design does not have the required dimensions, you can use it to grow seedlings, and then transplant to another bed.

Preparing the seed

First, take out full-weight seed and heat it up in during the month at a temperature of 25 ° C. Such indicators can be achieved using heating devices. Thanks to these actions, the seedlings will be friendly, the number of empty 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, soak in such a tool:

• 1 tsp. wood ash;
• 1 tsp nitrofoski;
• 1 liter of water.

After this, they are washed and laid on a damp gauze or bandage folded in several layers. It must be ensured that the fabric does not dry out. Germinate seeds at a temperature of 25 ° C. They should swell and hatch. Then placed in the refrigerator for a day.

Sowing

Plant seeds 24, 18 and 8 pieces, respectively, to the levels of the cucumber pyramid. Deepen by 2 cm. Seal on top for better contact with the ground. 3-4 seeds are put in one hole.

The temperature of the soil should be at least 14 ° C. After the appearance of mouths, they are thinned out. Extra seedlings are cut, they should not be pulled out so as not to damage the root system of the rest. In plants of late varieties, pinch the apex after the formation of 4-5 leaves. This contributes to the rapid appearance of female flowers.

Care

To grow 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 moistening of the soil. Watering is carried out according to such recommendations:

1. Before flowering – moderate. Consumption – 3-6 liters per 1 square. m. Repeat every 4-5 days.
2. During flowering and fruiting – plentiful. Consumption – 6-12 liters per 1 square. m. Repeat every 2-3 days.

Water is used only warm (not lower than 25˚С) and settled. Watering is done using watering cans in the evening. Moistening with a stream can change the structure of the soil, damage the roots and shoots of plants. Due to lack of water, cucumbers acquire a bitter taste. By the end of summer, watering is reduced in quantity and volume. This is done to prevent the development of rot.

Loosening the soil

Cucumbers must be loosened carefully

The root system of cucumbers is superficial. Therefore, when loosening, one must be extremely careful not to hook it.With each such procedure, weeds are removed. You can lay a layer of mulch. Use organic substances: straw, sawdust, mowed lawn grass. They help retain moisture in the soil and prevent the development of weeds.

Some gardeners instead of loosening make punctures with garden forks to a depth of 10-15 cm. This procedure also promotes oxygen access to the roots.

Tie up

Strings are fixed to the central support. The overgrown shoots are carefully tied to their edge. Due to this, the cucumbers will not come into contact with the ground, they will receive good lighting.

Feeding

Since it was fertilized during the preparation of the soil, nutrients are introduced in the second half of summer. Twice a month, they use this product:

• 1 liter of fermented cow slurry;
• 1 liter of Baikal solution;
• 10 liters of water.

Protection against cold weather

The culture feels good at a temperature of 25-30 ° C and humidity not lower than 70-80%. At indicators of 15 ° C, the plants slow down their growth, and at 10 ° C and lower, they cease altogether.

If the threat of frost has not passed, it is necessary to equip the frame over the cucumber pyramid. You can pull the spanbond. This will prevent freezing of soil and cucumbers.

Diseases and pests

Depending on the variety, different diseases often affect the culture:

• powdery mildew;
• downy mildew;
• brown spotting;
• fusarium wilting;
• gray, white, root rot.

To prevent them, it is recommended that

• plant the pickled seeds;
• observe the temperature regime;
• keep it clean on a pyramid bed;
• pour warm water;
• choose resistant varieties.

In order to identify diseases in time, frequent inspections of plants should be carried out. If damage is detected, they will be removed and burned. Against fungal diseases, dusting with wood ash and spraying with a Bordeaux mixture are used in the treatment. The treatment with Fitosporin and other fungicides that are used according to the attached instructions also helps.

Conclusion

Cucumber pyramid is an excellent solution for growing cucumbers. Zelentsy should be planted accordingly to the climate conditions in the region.

A crop in such a bed will please a good harvest with proper care. Timely harvesting will increase fruiting.