It has long been known that many plants have the ability not only to get along well with others, but also to have a beneficial effect on neighbors. For example, to stimulate their development and protect against various diseases and pests.
Basil is just an example of such a beneficial effect. Our article will tell about the neighborhood of basil and cucumbers on the same bed. The article provides information on whether it is permissible to plant basil next to cucumbers and how this can be done. Described care for crops with such a landing.
Is it possible to grow these crops nearby?
Basil can be successfully planted with cucumbers in the open field. This neighborhood is useful, to a greater extent, of course, for cucumber, as basil (due to its flavor) is able to scare away the whitefly, spider mite and aphids. Cucumber also contributes to the rapid development of spices.
When can this neighborhood harm?
Such a neighborhood can be harmful if you plant basil too close to cucumbers and they will entangle aromatic weed with their tenacious mustaches. The development and growth of spices in this case can be greatly slowed down.
Varieties with the best compatibility
For a joint landing is best to choose:
- «Broadleaf basil"- the plant is not very high, but with large leaves, has the aroma of allspice.
- «Clove Basil"- very beautiful small-leaved variety, reaches a height of 60 cm.
Of the cucumbers, the following varieties are best suited:
- "April".
- "Courage."
- "Miranda".
How to plant?
In the open ground
Landing rules:
- Minimum and maximum distance - It is necessary to leave at least 30 cm between these crops (for vertical growing of cucumbers) or 60 cm (if the lashes move along the ground).
- Landing time - Cucumber and basil can be sown with seeds from the beginning of May, when the soil warms up to 15 degrees Celsius. With a frequency of two weeks they are sown, thereby prolonging the harvest, it can be continued until the end of July.
In the greenhouse
If necessary, you can plant these plants in the same greenhouse, but only if certain rules are observed.
- Minimum and maximum distance - here it is necessary to leave a little more space between plantings, the best option would be a distance of 40 cm. At the same time, cucumbers in a greenhouse are grown only in a vertical way.
- Landing time - you can start sowing from the beginning of April, by this time the greenhouse should already be heated. If the landing will be made by seedlings, the presence of heating will allow it to be done in early March. Then also every two weeks (until the end of July) plants can be sown or planted.
Plant care when planting together
To get a great harvest of cucumbers and green basil, of course, you need to properly care for them.
It should be said that basil and cucumber are heat-loving crops, so they will grow best in greenhouses.
The main important points when leaving:
- Watering. These plants love water, but do not tolerate stagnation, so they need to be watered abundantly, not more than twice a week. Water should be used only warm, separated, watering should be done at the root. It is better to mix the soil after the procedure immediately.
Top dressing. The first top dressing for basil and cucumber is to make nitrogen (to stimulate growth). In a bucket of water (10 liters), 10 g of urea can be dissolved and watered, consuming three liters of solution per square meter. After two weeks (the second top dressing), you can apply complex fertilizers (25 g per 10 l of water) or pour the infusion of manure (compost), taking 1 part of manure and 10 parts of water. Further feeding is done with an approximate frequency of 2 weeks.- Temperature. Ideally, it should be constant, without sharp fluctuations. The air should be heated between 25 and 28 degrees, and the soil should not cool below 15 degrees.
- Weeding, loosening. It is necessary to ensure that there are no weeds around. In this case, weed must be very careful, since their root system is located close to the surface. To loosen the soil you need after each watering, the air should flow freely to the roots.
- Ventilation. For ventilation in the greenhouse, you can open the window or lift one full cloth (weather permitting). This should be done regularly.
Top dressing. The first top dressing for basil and cucumber is to make nitrogen (to stimulate growth). In a bucket of water (10 liters), 10 g of urea can be dissolved and watered, consuming three liters of solution per square meter. After two weeks (the second top dressing), you can apply complex fertilizers (25 g per 10 l of water) or pour the infusion of manure (compost), taking 1 part of manure and 10 parts of water. Further feeding is done with an approximate frequency of 2 weeks.Harvesting
The first crop will be collected at the basil, it can be cut off when it reaches 10 cm in height. The most convenient way to do this is over the second pair of true leaves, leaving about 7 cm of stem height. Then, about every two weeks, you can cut a new crop.
Cucumbers start to be harvested as they ripen, first every 4 days, then daily (during the period of mass gathering).
Fight against diseases and pests
The best protection against pests and various diseases - prevention. It is very important not to give the illnesses the slightest chance, that is, to strictly follow all the recommendations for care:
- Do not pour cold water.
- Avoid cold air.
- Do not thicken the landing.
- Ventilate the space in time.
- Destroy all weeds.
If you still have to deal with diseases and pests, then use best: ashes, copper sulphate, tobacco dust, Bordeaux mixture.
As a result, we can conclude that basil with cucumbers really successfully grown in a joint planting, get a great and tasty harvest. Caring for these plants is not difficult at all, especially since when planted together they practically do not undergo any diseases and attacks of harmful insects.
