Cucumbers are a tropical crop that prefers heat and moderate humidity. Ideal conditions for their growth are achieved at daytime temperatures of +25-28 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures of at least +16 degrees Celsius. However, if the outside temperature exceeds 32 degrees Celsius, cucumbers can suffer and start to have problems. Some varieties stop flowering well and forming fruit, and at high temperatures they can stop growing, become lethargic, turn yellow and wilt. What can be done to help them outdoors?
The best option is to shortlist semi-shaded areas for growing cucumbers. Some gardeners cover the bed with spunbond, which effectively protects the plants from intense sunlight. However, special attention should be paid to watering. On hot days, it is necessary to water often and abundantly. It is advisable to water in the morning to prevent the development of fungal infections, although watering at night also works.
If the outside temperature is above +30 degrees Celsius and the wind is blowing, I water the cucumbers daily. On calm days, you can water every other day, but be careful. Mulch the soil under the cucumbers weekly with humus, this will help prevent the formation of a crust on the soil surface, provide the roots with additional nutrition and reduce the time it takes for the soil to dry out.
It is also necessary to feed cucumbers with potassium in hot climates, since it is potassium that helps plants cope with heat stress. To do this, dissolve 1 heaped tablespoon of potassium sulfate in 10 liters of water and pour it under the roots of the plants. As mentioned above, it is very important to sprinkle cucumbers with an infusion of tomato and zircon tops in hot weather. This will strengthen the plants and protect them from the heat. To prepare a tomato top infusion, let healthy tomato tops brew in a bucket of water for 7 days. Then dilute 1 liter of infusion in 10 liters of water and add a standard zircon ampoule. Spray the plants in the morning or evening.
