How to plant, grow and care for cucumbers in a barrel step by step

Growing cucumbers in a barrel step-by-step involves using a specific system, which, in turn, can increase yields. Gardeners prefer this method for several reasons, the main one being the ability to produce more fruit. However, it's important to remember that growing cucumbers in a barrel has its own specifics and must be carried out in accordance with all the rules.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

There are many ways to influence yield. In the case of cucumbers, gardeners often resort to tricks, not only to save effort but also to protect the fruit from pests.

So why do summer residents prefer to sweep cucumbers into a barrel? What is the reason?

1. Most often, this method is used for one sole purpose: saving space. This is the main reason people begin growing cucumbers this way.
2. A gardener can choose a place that is illuminated by the sun's rays from all sides, which will increase the yield.
3. If you do everything correctly, the crop will grow faster, and the risk of disease and pest infestation will be reduced.
4. The soil does not come into contact with the cucumbers, which means it will be more difficult for slugs to feast on the fruits.
5. You can plant seedlings or seeds in a barrel; this method allows you to protect the plant from frost and remove excess moisture.
6. You can plant different varieties, a successful neighborhood is guaranteed.
7. You will have to weed the plant less often, since weeds are reluctant to grow in a barrel.
8. Another advantage worth mentioning is the economical use of fertilizers. Black soil mixed with manure is most often used for planting. Compost will increase yields.

Any seeding process has its pros and cons. While this method has many advantages, it also has its drawbacks, including:

• If you use metal as a starting material, do not forget about its properties and ability to heat up under the scorching sun;
• In a confined space, the soil quickly loses its qualities and characteristics, for this reason the soil will have to be changed regularly;
• you will still need to spend some money on purchasing equipment;
• It may take some effort to find the material to fill the barrel - this is another minor disadvantage of the proposed method.

Planting cucumbers in a barrel is a method with its own unique challenges; remember: getting a good harvest will require some effort, even if you plant the seedlings in a barrel.

The specificity of cucumbers is such: they grow upward, reaching for the light, so this method is considered ideal.

How to choose a good variety of cucumbers

What and where to plant is the prerogative of the gardener, but when choosing a plant variety, it is better to take into account the experience of gardeners and choose a suitable variety based on the available information.

Which cucumber varieties are suitable for growing in barrels, and their characteristics:

1. Preference is given to proven varieties that are characterized by high yields.
2. It is recommended to test the plant in open ground first.
3. You can prepare hybrids for planting that are pollinated by bees, or give preference to self-pollinating varieties.

There are many options, but, as a rule, gardeners prefer to plant early-ripening varieties in the ground in order to harvest faster.

Where is the best place to place the barrel?

In the area, preference is given to a sunny place where the rays will warm the plant, giving it energy and warmth.

If the area is sunny, then choose any location, but do not forget that in hot weather you will either have to protect the plants from the sun or water them generously.

Selecting and preparing a barrel

If for some reason the decision to plant cucumbers outdoors has been abandoned, you can try the suggested method. But first, you'll need to acquire the necessary equipment.

What does the technology mean:

• It is recommended to install the barrel in the fall, after the harvest;
• The subtlety of the process is that the soil and material for filling the barrel should be prepared in advance;
• It is recommended to loosen the soil and fertilize it not before planting, but before the winter cold;
• There is no need to take special care of the soil, you just need to prepare it for spring planting of seedlings.

Please note: When it comes to equipment specifications, the barrel can be made of metal, but wooden or plastic constructions are preferable.

It's essential to have a drainage system to allow excess moisture to drain from the barrel; otherwise, the plant will simply "sour" and not bear any fruit. Drill holes in the bottom of the barrel or make them using another convenient method.

Preparing soil and planting material

Garden plots are landscaped in the spring, as this is the ideal time for planting cucumbers. This can be accomplished using various methods:

1. If the spring is cold, it's best to cover the barrel with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Cucumbers can easily die outside in cold weather.
2. A lack of warmth can kill seedlings, but more often than not, it significantly reduces seed germination. A novice may not be familiar with these subtleties.
3. If you grew a cucumber in a glass on a windowsill, then plant it in a barrel, after loosening the soil and watering it with mineral fertilizers.
4. Seedling preparation begins in February or early March, and planting occurs under plastic in early May. In the ground, it begins in early summer.

It's best to plan the drainage system for the fall, along with soil preparation. This should be done as follows:

• place small stones and tree branches on the bottom of the barrel;
• fill the drainage system from above with fresh soil and mineral fertilizers;
• water the soil and then loosen it.

Not a single gardener's review confirms the effectiveness of such manipulations and their ability to significantly increase the yield rate.

Once the gardener has completed the planting process and begins to fill the soil, he should keep in mind that the soil will settle over time; if the cucumbers are planted too low, they will not receive adequate sunlight.

Technology of planting cucumbers in barrels

The question of how to plant cucumbers in a barrel and grow a good harvest often comes up. Let's take a look at the basic principles:

1. Before planting, the soil is loosened, then watered and seedlings or seeds are planted.
2. If the weather is bad, cover the equipment with film to avoid damaging the seedlings.
3. It is recommended to plant no more than 8 bushes in a barrel; if you increase their number, it will become crowded.
4. As they grow and develop, you will need to water and tie up the cucumbers using stakes.
5. Once planting is complete, care for the plant is carried out as needed.

Further care

In pursuit of a good harvest, a gardener should know not only the rules for planting cucumbers, but also learn how to care for them, so that the resulting material is suitable for making preserves.

Watering

How much to water the plant depends on the climate in your region. Typically, watering twice a week is sufficient.

If the climate is hot, daily watering is recommended. Otherwise, the plant will lack moisture, the leaves will turn yellow, and the harvest will be poor.

When sowing seeds, water the soil generously, leave for 2 days, and repeat the procedure after the specified time.

Top dressing

A deficiency of nutrients, including nitrogen, leads to deformed fruits and slow growth. The following fertilizers are used:

• mineral fertilizers purchased in specialized stores;
• You can resort to using a manure solution, preparing it yourself, mixing it in a ratio of 1 to 10.

It's recommended to fertilize cucumbers a few weeks after planting and removing the plastic film. This can be repeated during the growing season.

Garter

There are several reasons why bushes need to be supported:

1. This will help prevent damage to delicate stems on the edges of the structure.
2. If you don't tie up the cucumbers, they will break at the first gust of wind.
3. Pinching will increase the height of the vertical bed.

You can tie it to pegs or wire structures in the shape of a pyramid or arc.

Formation of a cucumber bush

Plant 4 to 8 bushes in one barrel. It is better to prepare seedlings for planting in advance; after planting, make sure that the cucumbers do not compete for nutrients.

If you plant too many bushes, they'll begin to intertwine, forming thickets. As a result, the plants won't get enough warmth and sun. To avoid this, try:

• remove excess bushes from the barrel;
• remove excess shoots, thus shaping the bush.

How to harvest properly

There's no point in showing or describing the harvesting process; it's not difficult, as the fruit hangs over the edges of the barrel and is harvested as it ripens. It's best to keep it away from the soil, which is something a novice gardener will need to ensure.

Note: If you choose early-ripening varieties and the climate in your region is warm, you'll be able to harvest two cucumbers per season.

Growing cucumbers in a barrel at your garden plot is a simple task, provided you have some basic knowledge of farming and gardening. This method will not only achieve the desired result but also significantly reduce the energy required for the process. If the barrel has a hole or opening, you can safely use it for its intended purpose.