How to grow Cucumbers (खीरा).

Step 1: Seed Selection and Preparation (Day 1)

• Varieties: Japanese Long Green, Straight Eight, Poinsettee, or hybrids like KPCH 2 and Pant C 2
• Protected Cultivation: Consider parthenocarpic varieties like Terminator, Y-225, Fadia, Multistar, Kingstar, Kafea, or Gurka
• Treat seeds with Trichoderma viride (4 g/kg) or Pseudomonas fluorescens (10 g/kg) or Carbendazim (2 g/kg) to prevent soil-borne diseases
• Key Info: Select appropriate varieties for your specific growing conditions and climate zone

Step 2: Soil Preparation (Days 2-3)

• Choose a sunny location receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight
• For container gardening, use a mix of garden soil, compost, and cocopeat in equal proportions
• Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0-7.5, ideal for cucumber growth
• Add generous organic matter like well-rotted farmyard manure
• Create raised beds or mounds if growing during monsoon season to prevent waterlogging

Step 3: Sowing (Day 4)

• For field planting: Create channels 1.5 m apart and sow seeds on one side of the channel with 0.6 m spacing between hills
• For container growing: Use minimum 12-inch deep containers and plant 2-3 seeds per container
• Sow seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil
• Water thoroughly but gently after sowing to avoid seed displacement

Step 4: Early Growth (Days 5-14)

• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• When seedlings emerge, ensure they receive adequate sunlight
• Thin seedlings to two per hill at 15 days after planting in field cultivation
• For container growing, retain the strongest seedling and remove others

Step 5: Training and Support (Days 15-30)

• Install trellises, stakes, or other vertical supports when plants develop 3-4 true leaves
• Guide young vines to climb the support structure
• Vertical growing promotes better air circulation and prevents soil-borne diseases
• Ensure supports are sturdy enough to hold the weight of mature plants with fruits

Step 6: Fertilizing (Days 30-45)

• Apply 35 kg of N/ha at 30 days after sowing for field cultivation
• For home gardens, apply balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 2 weeks
• Consider Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria (2 kg/ha) and Pseudomonas (2.5 kg/ha) along with FYM and neem cake for organic cultivation
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of fruit production

Step 7: Maintenance and Care (Throughout growth cycle)

• Irrigate once a week, more frequently during dry periods
• For container growing, water when the top inch of soil feels dry
• Mulch around plants with straw or dry leaves to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth
• Monitor for pests like cucumber beetles, aphids, and spider mites
• Check for powdery mildew and downy mildew, especially during humid conditions

Step 8: Harvesting (Days 45-60)

• Harvest cucumbers when they reach desired size but before they turn yellow
• For slicing varieties, harvest when they're 6-8 inches long
• For pickling varieties, harvest when they're 2-4 inches long
• Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler
• Cut rather than pull fruits to avoid damaging vines
• Regular harvesting encourages continued production

Continue

Along with these steps and stages, there are a few things you need to perform throughout the process to grow cucumbers, each thing will take only 20-30 minutes a week of your time.
Please see the related section for more information on each step, tips, and homemade recipes for fertilizers and plant care.
Perform these steps every 2-3 weeks after the plants start flowering.

• Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial for cucumber development
• Fertilizing: Apply balanced nutrients to support growth and fruiting
• Pest and Disease Management: Regular monitoring and preventive measures
• Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves and manage vine growth
• Harvesting: Pick regularly to encourage continued production