Gherkins thrive best in mixed culture. The selection of plant neighbors is crucial for cultivation success. These tips call good neighbors for pickling cucumbers by name. You can find out which plants cucumbers don't get along with in beds here.
Which neighbors go best with pickling cucumbers?
Good neighbors for pickling cucumbers areBasil(Ocimum basilicum),Dill(Anethum graveolens) andParsley(Petroselinum crispum). In the vegetable patch, cucumber plants get along with borage (Borago officinalis), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), peas (Pisum sativum), leeks (Allium porrum), beetroot (Beta vulgaris), celery (Apium graveolens).
Why should you plant pickling cucumbers in mixed culture?
In mixed culture, pickling cucumbers and their plant neighbors canhave a positive influence on each other For a functioning mixed culture, the requirements of cucumber plants and plant neighbors must differ. These include different root depths, species-specific root secretions and smells as well as different nutrient requirements.
If the requirements for mixed culture are met when growing pickling cucumbers, all plants benefit fromincreased resistanceagainst diseases and pests. This results inhe althy growthandabundant harvest yield.
Which neighbors get along with pickling cucumbers?
Gherkins go very well with the herbsBasil(Ocimum basilicum),Dill(Anethum graveolens) andParsley (Petroselinum crispum). As a plant neighbor, basil is effective against mildew infestation. Dill and parsley repel pests such as aphids. These are other good neighbors for pickling cucumbers:
- Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
- Peas (Pisum sativum)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Caraway (Carum carvi)
- Leek (Allium porrum)
- Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
- Celery (Apium graveolens)
Blooming cucumber neighbors in the cottage garden
In the cottage garden, cucumber plants are combined with flowering plant neighbors. Marigolds (Tagetes) and nasturtiums (Tropaeolum) drive away nematodes, viruses and pests.
Which neighboring plants do not go well with pickling cucumbers?
Bad neighbors for pickling cucumbers arePotatoes(Solanum tuberosum) andPeppers (Capsicum annuum). Nightshade plants are heavy feeders and compete with the heavy-feeding cucumber plants for nutrients and water. In the greenhouse you can exceptionally plant tomatoes and cucumbers together if a partition creates two climate zones.
Gherkins do not get along with related pumpkin plants (Cucurbitaceae). This includes all pumpkin varieties and species as well as zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). The association of botanically related plants often leads to soil fatigue, stunted growth, mildew and pest infestation.
Tip
Fermenting pickles
Did you know that pickles can be excellently fermented? In this traditional preservation method, freshly harvested cucumbers are soaked in brine and slowly fermented by lactic acid bacteria. In contrast to pickles, fermented pickles contain plenty of he althy lactic acid bacteria in addition to vitamins and minerals. Probiotic lactic acid bacteria promote digestion, strengthen the immune system and improve your well-being.
