Pricking cucumbers sounds complicated. But that just means giving the seedlings more space, air and light. But the tender cucumber seedlings are sensitive to root injuries. This is how cucumber seedlings can be planted safely and he althily - tried and tested recommendations for recreational gardeners.
When and how should you prick cucumbers?
Cucumbers should be pricked when they have developed their first 2 leaves. To properly prick them out, fill rottable plant pots with pricking soil, make a planting hole, add algae substrate and carefully plant the seedling. Then press the soil down, water it and protect it from sun and drafts.
When can you prick cucumbers?
You grew your own cucumbers a few weeks ago? Now the seedlings are crowding each other. When they have formed the first 2 leaves, it is the right time to prick out. This creates more space for the plants. But beware! Pre-grown cucumber seedlings tend to sprout quickly. Roots and stems are still weak and break easily when pricking out.
The better alternative than pricking cucumbers:
Simply sow cucumber seeds straight away in sowing containers such as egg cartons or standard sowing pots made of peat. Since these seed pots rot in the ground, the seedlings can be transplanted directly into the garden or greenhouse. If you want to prick robust cucumber seedlings traditionally, you need:
- Rottable plant pots
- Picking Earth
- Algae substrate
- Spoon or tweezers
Pricking cucumbers correctly – this is how it works
Fill plant pots with sifted potting soil. Prick (prick) a small planting hole in the middle with your finger or spoon. Add some algae substrate to improve root formation. Carefully dig up the seedling with a spoon or tweezers and place it in the soil. Fill with soil and press down lightly. Add a little potting soil - spray or water - done. Place the pricked plants in the greenhouse or on the windowsill. Protect from sun and drafts. This is how they survive the transplant shock.
After pricking out, the plants grow stronger. Nevertheless, they still 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. If the outside temperature is around 15° degrees, put the plants outside during the day. In this way they slowly get used to the more intense UV radiation and the outdoor climate.
From seedling to cucumber
If the pricked young plants are 20 centimeters tall, they will be grown in their final location from April. To do this, carefully plant the cucumbers with the entire root ball in pots or in the bed. And as deep as they were in the piercing vessel. In addition to warmth, it now requires a little more care, lukewarm watering and fertilizer.
Tips & Tricks
Growing your own cucumbers in a greenhouse is quicker and more reliable than outdoors. The plants are better protected from diseases and pests under cover.
