How to grow cucumbers in the open field in the Leningrad region, the best varieties
Today we will consider the best varieties of cucumbers for growing in the Leningrad Region: types, timing, and more. Of course, cucumbers are a demanding and capricious culture, they need sunlight, which, alas, is not so much in the Leningrad Region. But this is not a reason not to grow cucumbers.
Features of the climate of this region
Before you start discussing the types of cucumbers for planting in open ground, you need to understand the nuances of the climate of the Leningrad Region. The region is large and the methods of planting and growing cucumbers in the northern and southern parts are different. For example, in the northeast, growing a crop will not bear much fruit. But in the southern, central parts of this region, anyone can grow this crop. An excellent result is considered when the yield is from 5 to 8 kg of fruits per square meter.
You should also pay attention to the temperature regime. For example, in the Leningrad Region, 1 out of 5 years brings a long spring and cold summer, and this adversely affects the harvest. In general, this region is recognized as an area of risky agriculture, since its climate does not allow for normal farming.
How to increase yields
Experienced gardeners have developed several methods to increase yields or reduce the risks of non-yields by growing crops in this disadvantaged region.
- You need to immediately plant several varieties or hybrids that are suitable for growing them in the open field. Many people mistakenly believe that if a particular variety yields a decent harvest in any given year, this will happen again. Alas, no, it is necessary to pay attention to the types of cucumbers that are resistant to cold, as well as resistant to various diseases. You should also choose varieties that ripen relatively quickly (up to about 45 days). The harsh conditions of the Leningrad Region make it impossible to expect more.
- Self-pollinated and parthenocarpic varieties of cucumbers. Such species are used in special greenhouses, as well as greenhouses, but in the harsh corners of Russia they make sense. All due to the fact that there are not many sunny days in the Leningrad Region. There is no point in completely abandoning varieties pollinated with the help of insects, because they are useful, they have many advantages.
- Covering plants. Since the weather in the Leningrad region is cold and cloudy, cucumbers simply need to be covered: with a film or material not made of fabric.To do this, you will need to build special structures that will resemble an arc in shape.
If you follow all the recommendations and provide the plants with the right care, then the likelihood of growing a good crop even in such an unfavorable climate increases by 30 percent.
Important conditions
To get a decent harvest, it is important not only to choose the right seeds, but also to prepare the soil. This should be started in the fall, it is advisable to add chicken droppings, humus or ash to the soil.
Although the climate in the Leningrad Region is not dry, you still need to ensure that the soil is sufficiently moist, in no case does it dry out, this can adversely affect the plant.
In order for the earth to receive useful minerals, it is enough to scatter any dry droppings on its surface, and then simply dig it up using the usual method, after which it is imperative to water the soil. Please note that watering with tap water is not worth it, you need to insist on it for at least several hours, and then use it for watering.
It is very important to prepare your cucumber seeds for planting. Immediately after the purchase, it is necessary to lower them in a weak solution of potassium permanganate in order to get rid of all sorts of pests and diseases. It is desirable that they remain in solution for at least 30 minutes. Next, you should soak the seed by placing it on a moistened gauze. Keep the seeds free of water or they may rot. When sprouts appear, the sowing material can be planted in the ground, but only if it has already warmed up well.
In this region, germination is lower than in others, no need to be afraid, the seeds will germinate in the near future. In some cases, the first leaves will appear three weeks after planting. After sowing, you must immediately feed the seeds.
Top dressing
During the watering period, at least 4 feeding of cucumbers should be done:
- After planting cucumbers in the ground.
- As soon as three fully formed leaves appear.
- During the period when flowering will occur.
- When the fruits appear.
For a plant to bear fruit well, it needs nitrogen. If it is not enough, this can be seen by the appearance of the cucumbers: the leaves can curl, wither, become hook-shaped, flowers can fall off.
Even if you have carefully prepared the soil, the feeding period cannot be avoided. For this, the same ordinary poultry manure or any organic type fertilizer is applied.
Optimal varieties for growing in the Leningrad region
Now let's discuss the varieties of cucumbers for open ground in the Leningrad region.
Madagascar
These cucumbers grow quickly and taste good. Their main feature, which attracts many summer residents, is that a huge part of the zelents is formed on the whip, which is the main one. This makes it possible to pick fruits exclusively on Saturday and Sunday. Among their characteristics are the following:
Cylinder-shaped fruits are short.
The weight of one cucumber is no more than 90 grams.
Grown cucumbers are used for preservation, in pickles or simply eaten raw.
The fast and the furious
This species can boast of early maturity. The harvest will be after 38 days, which is good news. The hybrid has the following features:
The shape of the fruit is cylindrical, and the color is dark green.
Fruits are small in size, no more than 12 centimeters long.
Openwork
The peculiarity of this species is long-term fruiting, and the first cucumbers will be there after 40 days. The variety is resistant to most diseases. The fruits are small, the length is no more than 11 centimeters.
Athos
These cucumbers are used both for planting in greenhouse conditions and for open ground. The fruits of this species are small, no more than 9 cm long. They are dark green in color with small tubercles.The cucumbers will be crispy and consumed both fresh and canned.
Claudius
The main feature of the plant is its rapid growth and immunity to many diseases. The fruits are formed in the form of a cylinder, and on the outside they have black thorns, the length of which is 10 centimeters.
Russian emerald F1
This species is mid-season, and the first harvest should be expected after 50–55 days. The variety is the best for its further preservation. The fruits are large, have white thorns and dark green color. The length is about 9-10 cm.
F1 sweet crunch
This view is different from the rest. It has a light color close to white. By the way, the name of the hybrid was given for a reason, the variety Sweet Crunch F1 is so pleasant that words cannot convey it.
Greenhouse varieties
Now let's look at a few varieties that are suitable for growing in greenhouse conditions.
Erika
This species is resistant to diseases and is used for cultivation in film greenhouses. Among the characteristics, the following should be highlighted:
- The shape of the fruit is a cylinder.
- The length of the cucumbers is 12 cm.
- The weight of one fruit is from 110 to 120 grams.
- The length of the bushes can reach up to 3.5 meters.
Juventa
This hybrid is grown during winter and spring. It has excellent taste and boasts the following characteristics:
- Fruit weight from 220 to 280 grams.
- Cucumbers are cylindrical.
Our Dasha
This species is mid-season and is suitable for planting in spring and summer in a greenhouse, covered with a film and without heating. Its main features:
- The fruits are long, all with tubercles.
- The weight of one cucumber does not exceed 90 grams.
- The bushes are vigorous, however, there are few branches.
- The variety is able to withstand low temperatures and some diseases.
All these types are excellent varieties of cucumbers for the Leningrad region for greenhouses.
Emelya
This hybrid is not afraid of diseases and brings a considerable harvest. It is grown in foil greenhouses or heated greenhouses. Its fruits are long - 15 cm, and the weight varies from 130 to 170 grams.
Zozulya
This species is similar to the previous one, but its fruits are both small and large. Weight can reach up to 280 grams. Cucumbers are suitable for preservation.
Chaikovsky
This hybrid belongs to the early, its fruits are all in black thorns with small pimples. These cucumbers can be planted and grown in foil greenhouses or glazed greenhouses. The fruits will surprise you with an unsurpassed taste.
You can find many more varieties, but these have excellent taste, are persistent and bring a good harvest.
Conclusion
Now you know how to properly grow cucumbers in the Leningrad Region in the open field. In fact, it's easy if you know the climatic features of the region.
