Cucumbers are heavy feeders and need a lot of nutrients for a rich harvest. We'll tell you when, how and with what to best fertilize your cucumbers.
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are a popular summer vegetable due to their refreshing taste. They can be cultivated both in the garden bed and on the balcony. In order to be able to thrive well, however, the pumpkin plant (Cucurbitaceae) absolutely needs good soil. A high content of nutrients promotes he althy cucumber growth and rich fruit set.
So when and with what is the best time to fertilize cucumbers? These questions are not easy to answer, because depending on the growth stage, the cucumber plant has very different demands on its nutrient supply. We'll explain what you need to be aware of.
When to fertilize cucumbers?
The cucumber counts - as does the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum ) and pumpkins (Cucurbita) - among the highly consuming vegetables. A first basic and reserve fertilization should therefore already take place when planting. During the vegetation period, you can compensate for the ongoing nutrient deprivation with additional fertilization, which should be adapted to the cucumber's current stage of development.
Fertilize cucumbers when sowing
There are two common approaches to planting cucumbers. Direct sowing outdoors can take place from mid-May when no more frosts are to be expected. For this purpose, the soil should be enriched in advance with compost or rotted stable manure. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also pre-cultivate the frost-sensitive plants on the windowsill. To do this, put the seeds in small pots with nutrient-poor potting soil from the end of April to promote good rooting. With good care, the resulting plants can finally be planted in the prepared garden bed from mid-May.
Fertilize cucumbers as young plants
If the effort for the sowing is too great for you, you can alsoBuy pre-cultivated young plants in the garden center. After the ice saints (mid-May) these can be planted directly outdoors. You should also work some compost or rotted manure into the soil before planting out.
Tip from the professional: It is better to invest a little more money at the beginning and buy grafted cucumber plants. With proper care, these are characterized by better growth and a higher yield.
Fertilize cucumbers when planting out
Immediately after planting the cucumber plants, the first basic fertilization can be carried out. Natural fertilizers (such as compost or manure) can be wonderfully combined with organic long-term fertilizers - such as our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer. For an adequate supply of minerals, you can also water once a week with diluted nettle manure during the growth and flowering phase.
Fertilize cucumbers before harvest
Cucumbers grow very quickly, so you can harvest the first fruits as early as July when cultivated outdoors. However, the cucumber plant needs plenty of nutrients for rapid growth and fruit formation. Therefore, you should fertilize regularly after flowering. Organic fertilizers with sufficient potassium and magnesium support the cucumbers in fruiting. Fertilizing every two weeks is completely sufficient. Otherwise the plants develop many leaves, but only a few fruits.
Summary: when to fertilize cucumbers?
- Improve the soil with compost or manure before planting out
- Add organic long-term fertilizer to the planting hole when planting out
- Fertilize regularly (every 2 weeks)
Fertilize cucumbers: This fertilizer is best suited
Cucumbers should be fertilized neither too much nor too little. Too few nutrients lead to reduced growth and less fruit formation. However, too much nitrogen can in turn promote the infestation of plant diseases. But which fertilization is the best?
Fertilize cucumbers organically: Instructions
If you not only want to rely on an immediate but also on a long-term supply of nutrients, you should use organic long-term fertilizers. These promote he althy, active soil life and are particularly gentle on the environment. Our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer existsfor the most part from plant residues from the food, luxury food and animal feed industries. The organic ingredients are decomposed by the microorganisms in the soil and gradually release the nutrients for the plant. The high potassium content also has a particularly positive effect on the fruit quality. Fertilizers in granular form are very easy to dose and can be wonderfully worked into the soil. So that you can provide your cucumbers with the best possible nutrients, we have detailed instructions for you below.
Organic Long-Term Fertilization: Instructions and Dosage Amounts for Cucumbers
- Before planting: Work 100 - 180 g/m² (8 - 15 tablespoons) of our Plantura organic tomato fertilizer into the top soil layers
- Water the freshly planted cucumber plants sufficiently so that the granules can dissolve easily
- After 2 months you should fertilize again with 90 - 140 g per plant (8 - 12 tablespoons)
- You can fertilize every two weeks before harvest
Fertilize cucumbers with minerals
Mineral fertilizers are particularly popular for growing cucumbers in pots, as they always ensure a certain basic supply of nutrients. Liquid fertilizers, blue grain and Co. are also easily soluble and can be absorbed directly by the plant. However, they are difficult to dose and the s alts they contain can damage the sensitive roots if over-fertilized. Furthermore, the s alts can be washed out into the groundwater and lead to increased nitrate pollution there. The high amount of energy and raw materials required for production also does not necessarily speak for the use of chemical fertilizers.
Fertilize cucumbers with home remedies: coffee grounds, horse droppings and more
Natural fertilizers - such as compost or manure - can also contribute to the nutrient supply. Soil creatures such as microorganisms, earthworms and the like are attracted to the organic material. They decompose it and at the same time loosen the soil. However, cow manure or horse manure should be well rotted so that the little plants do not “burn”. During the growth period you can also water weekly with diluted nettle manure (in a ratio of 1:10). In this way, the cucumber is additionally supplied with minerals. Coffee grounds are also suitable as a natural cucumber fertilizer. In addition to potassium, it also contains plenty of nitrogen and phosphorus. As a side effectpests such as aphids (Sternorrhyncha) are scared away by the smell of coffee. The actual waste product finds a useful use in the garden. However, you should not use too much coffee grounds for fertilization either, so that the soil does not become acidified. It is best to work the coffee grounds into a layer of grass clippings mulch where they can be broken down over time.
Fertilize cucumbers in the pot
You can also easily cultivate cucumbers in a sufficiently large pot in the greenhouse or on the balcony. The best way to do this is to fill the pot with good compost. Compared to the garden bed, fertilization in the pot can be better controlled. Here, too, ensure an adequate supply of nutrients when planting and later during the growth and flowering phase. Regular watering also ensures that the plant does not dry out and that organic fertilizers dissolve better.
Fertilize cucumbers in the bed
The soil should be supplied with plenty of compost and organic fertilizer before planting the cucumber plants. A previous green manure sown in autumn is also very advantageous. This loosens the soil, brings nutrients into the top layers of soil and makes weeding easier in spring. During the growing season, you can then regularly work some fertilizer into the soil. A mulch layer of grass clippings provides additional nutrients and at the same time reduces evaporation from the soil.
Summary: How and with what to fertilize cucumbers?
- Improve the soil with compost or manure
- Basic fertilization of the cucumbers when planting them out with organic long-term fertilizer such as our Plantura organic tomato fertiliser
- Regular fertilization provides the plant with sufficient nutrients
- Organic slow-release fertilizers promote soil life and improve soil structure
- Coffee grounds and plant manure can also be used