To get a good crop of cucumbers, it will be necessary to work hard in growing seedlings.
Pulling is just one of those problems that awaits gardeners. More on this in our article.
Why is cucumber seedlings strongly drawn out?
The main question for novice gardeners with regards to pulling seedlings is whether it is possible to correct the situation or everything is already gone. We hurry to calm: if things haven't gone very far, then you can still fix it. First you need to find out the cause, and then calmly, without panic, proceed to its elimination.
This can be a difficult challenge, especially for those who do it for the first time, but do not give up. And remember: a good harvest begins with the proper care of seedlings.
Malicious insects do not affect the extrusion, they can bring other harm, but this is not the topic of our article. Diseases, including fungal ones, also do not affect stretching.
But the conditions under which it occurs can cause a number of diseases, in particular root rot and twisting of the leaves.
High-quality and healthy cucumber seedling looks squat and strong. Since the plant is delicate, it instantly responds to external growing conditions. If the conditions are good, then the seedlings will be healthy, if they are wrong, then they start to hurt.
Pulling is one of the many problems that novice gardeners face. This is not a disease, but such a reaction of cucumber seedlings entails the most unpleasant consequences and you can lose the whole crop.
The first reason the seedlings stretch is lack of light and fever. This is a completely natural reaction of the plant to such environmental conditions. Under the influence of heat, it grows and stretches towards the light. This is the most common reason, so if this happened, then you need to adjust the light mode for plants in the greenhouse.
Another reason why cucumber seedlings can stretch out is cramped potsin which it grows. Since the root system grows in breadth, it becomes a little space and this affects the seedling itself. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to select in advance a more spacious container for growing cucumber seedlings, thus you will avoid many troubles, including this one.
Also among the reasons may be soil quality. It may be overly acidic, in which case neutral soils are best suited. This is the rarest reason for pulling seedlings.
Do not forget that the reason may be not one, but the whole complex and you will have to solve several problems at once. Next, we describe what to do if cucumber seedlings stretched out?
What to do and how to help young plants?
IMPORTANT! In order for young bushes not to be stretched, it is necessary to provide them with comfortable conditions. Cucumber is generally a capricious culture, especially its seedlings. The optimum temperature for it will be + 20-22 degrees, at night 18-20.
But if the seedlings are very stretched, the temperature can be lowered to 15-18 degrees and should be kept around the clock. Also, be sure to comply with the lighting mode, it should be moderate, and even better enhanced.
Excessive light is not as terrible as its lack. With a lack of sunlight, sprouts naturally stretch toward him. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange the light on their own. You can install an ultraviolet lamp, but you need to know that it can not be used for more than 7-9 hours.
You can install a mirror so that sunlight comes in constantly. Such activities will help to stop the excessive growth of shoots, and the problem of lack of light will be solved.
If the seedlings are pulled out due to the fact that it is cramped, then it will have to be transplanted. Despite the fact that cucumbers do not like being disturbed. But it will save the plant, and in the future, and your harvest. During the growth of seedlings, also it is necessary to feed the plant with complex fertilizers, it will serve to strengthen the roots and the correct formation of the future trunk.
If the cucumber seedlings are still stretched out, what should I do? It is necessary to fill the ground, preferably well warmed and dry. This will help not to linger too much moisture and will serve as an additional thermal insulator.
Thus, the plant is better to take root and pull will be able to stop. Thus, you will save the harvest, and all your efforts and expectations will not be in vain.
Highly tweaking, that is, removal of a growth bud above the second true leaf. Such a simple procedure will stop the stretching. Especially often this method brings the proper effect for short-cucumbers.
As for the quality of the soil, it is recommended to lower its acidity before planting seedlings. It will not be superfluous to clear it from all previous landings.
How to grow cucumber seedlings so that it does not stretch?
In order to prevent many problems in growing cucumber seedlings, including pulling, it is necessary to carefully observe the light, temperature regimes and mode of watering young shoots.
Pots for growing cucumber seedlings should be chosen spacious., it will help the proper development of the root system and the formation of the entire bush as a whole. Do not forget about timely feeding and weeding.
This happens due to the fact that the plants block access of light to each other. When plants become adults, it can provoke unnecessary problems, in particular diseases and speed up the spread of harmful insects.
As follows from the review, in order to enjoy the taste of cucumbers, first we need to competently grow seedlings.
This is not an easy task, the most unexpected obstacles can stand in the way. But, as they say, there would be a desire and any problems can be solved. Good luck and good harvests.
So, we answered the following questions: why did the cucumber seedlings stretch out a lot, how to grow cucumber seedlings at home so that they would not stretch out? Described measures to combat stretching.
Useful materials
Check out other helpful cucumber seedlings articles:
- How to grow on the windowsill, balcony and even in the basement?
- Tips for growing in various containers, particularly in peat pots and pills.
- Find out the planting dates depending on the region.
- All the secrets of seed preparation before planting.
