Planting, growing, and caring for cucumbers using the Japanese sawdust method

There are many methods for growing cucumbers. One of the fastest methods, which ensures early seed germination, is the Japanese method. This technology involves sowing the seedlings in hot sawdust. This Japanese method preserves the plant's root system during transplantation and reduces the risk of frostbite.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Japanese method

Growing cucumbers in sawdust, in addition to the super-fast emergence of seedlings, offers a number of other significant advantages over traditional planting methods:

• the likelihood of damage to the root system when transplanting seedlings is reduced;
• the risk of infection is reduced;
• the negative impact of temperature changes on seedlings is eliminated;
• the method is optimal for growing crops at home;
• the first shoots will stretch better;
• the flow of oxygen to the roots increases due to the loose structure of the wood material;
• The frequency of watering is reduced, as sawdust retains moisture well.

By using sawdust instead of soil, you can significantly increase the plant's yield and get the first fruits 2-3 weeks earlier.

The disadvantages of this method include the fact that in order to germinate the seeds, you will need to find really high-quality wood chip material.

The effect of hot sawdust on soil: benefit or harm?

Planting seeds is permitted only in fresh sawdust. However, using this material as fertilizer is harmful to the soil. This is especially true in soils containing a lot of wood.

Large quantities of sawdust can draw nitrogen from the soil, causing plants to experience a deficiency of this vital micronutrient.

Wood contains resins, which also have a negative impact on garden crops. A third major drawback of the material is its ability to acidify the soil. Therefore, if you have large amounts of wood chips, liming the soil is recommended. This will mitigate the negative effects.

What do you need for work?

Growing seedlings in sawdust is quite simple. To plant cucumbers in sawdust, you'll need boiling water and a few additional ingredients. Furthermore, only certain vegetable varieties are suitable for this method.

Sawdust

It's recommended to use fresh, dry sawdust. Wet wood can cause root rot and introduce pathogens into the plant. For germination, use fine shavings that mimic the consistency of soil.

It is not recommended to use sawdust obtained from sawing chipboard or OSB. The manufacturing process of such boards uses adhesives and dyes that contain substances harmful to cucumbers. Experienced gardeners recommend choosing hardwood.

Containers for planting

Any suitable container, including plastic bottles, can be used as a container for sprouting cucumbers.

The main thing is that the depth of the container is at least 5-7 centimeters.

What cucumber seeds should I buy?

For the Japanese planting method, gardeners recommend purchasing hybrid cucumber varieties. However, since this method is used specifically for germinating seeds, other varieties suitable for a specific growing region can also be used.

Sowing and germinating seeds in hot sawdust

The procedure begins with preparing the container. For the Japanese method of germination, it is recommended to use a clean container, free of soil. However, since this method pre-treats the material with boiling water, the risk of seedling contamination is low. This feature also eliminates the need for traditional seed treatment in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Sowing period

The sowing time for cucumber seeds depends on the variety chosen and the region where the cucumber will be planted. This information can be found on the packaging. It's important to note that the Japanese method ensures early germination of the seeds. This means the seedlings will be ready for transplanting into the ground 2-3 weeks earlier than expected.

Hot sawdust sowing technology

Sowing cucumber seeds is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The prepared container is filled a quarter full with sawdust and filled with boiling water.
2. After swelling, the wood material is kneaded with fingers until crumbs are formed.
3. While the base has not cooled down, it is necessary to scatter the seeds on the surface of the hot sawdust at a slight distance from each other.
4. The seeds are covered on top with a small layer of hot sawdust.
5. The container is covered with plastic wrap and placed in a warm place.

It takes an average of 10 days for the first shoots to appear. During this period, it's recommended to regularly check the condition of the wood shavings and add water as they dry out.

Transplanting seedlings

Transplanting seedlings using the Japanese method differs from traditional methods of transplanting seedlings into the ground. To remove the plants without damaging the soil, the sawdust must first be soaked in warm water. After this, you can begin preparing the holes in the beds.

When replanting, there's no need to remove any remaining woody material stuck to the roots. If desired, you can water the seedlings, removing any wood shavings. After planting, it's recommended to sprinkle a thin layer of sawdust around the plant and water the soil thoroughly.

We organize proper care for bushes

To achieve a good cucumber harvest and prevent the development of diseases, it is necessary:

• ensure stable and sufficient watering, avoiding over-watering of the soil;
• If necessary, shade plants to avoid leaf burns;
• according to the established timeframes, apply mineral or organic fertilizers;
• carry out periodic treatment of the crop with insecticides and other substances that prevent infectious contamination (the agents are selected taking into account the variety);
• Regularly prune the side shoots to form a strong main stem.

At the first sign of infection, begin treating the plant. If necessary, remove affected leaves and stems from the garden bed.

Experienced gardeners' reviews of the hot method

Vyacheslav, 44 years old, Stavropol

"I really liked the Japanese method. Last year, I missed the seed sowing deadline, so I urgently needed to find a method to correct this oversight. And the Japanese method really does help speed up seed germination."

Antonina, 39 years old, Klin

"I can't say anything bad about the Japanese method. It's a simple, quick, and convenient method of growing seeds, accessible to everyone. The main thing to remember is that treating cucumbers with boiling water at the sowing stage doesn't guarantee that the plants won't get sick later. Therefore, it's important to regularly fertilize and treat for pests throughout the season."