Question 1

Why do I need to fertilize my Cucumber?

Accepted Answer

Naturally every type of plant requires nutrients to grow properly, but when we grow Cucumber for its fruit, the harvest will be best if the soil is supplemented to provide more of what plants need. Each of the main macronutrients provides something different to plants. Phosphorus is the key nutrient that promotes the formation of flowers and fruit. Of course, a plant cannot produce flowers and fruit without a proper root system and healthy leaves to absorb sunlight, so the nutrients that support those parts of the plant are also necessary. Without enough of the necessary macronutrients, plants lack vitality, grow more slowly, and may wilt. Plants have to devote a lot of energy to flowering and fruiting, so if they are lacking in these main components that support their processes the resulting fruits will show that deficiency as well.

Question 2

When is the best time to fertilize my Cucumber?

Accepted Answer

Cucumber is a summer crop, and needs to be planted in the spring to produce fruits during the summer months. Check the specific variety to see when it should be planted. Cucumber requires rich, fertile soil to yield high quality produce. Before planting, mix a 2 inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. These materials add nutrients to the soil that can help kick-start growth for your Cucumber, and also increase the drainage of the soil. Transplants can be fertilized immediately after planting, but seedlings should reach a height of 2 to 4 inches before being fertilized for the first time. For established plants, feed about every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season, until the first frost or when the plant stops producing.

Check the specific fertilizer type as well as the variety of Cucumber to be sure that you are customizing your fertilization schedule to your situation. It is always better to fertilize less if you are not sure.

Question 3

When should I avoid fertilizing my Cucumber?

Accepted Answer

Avoid giving Cucumber a fertilizer with too much nitrogen, since this can lead to development of plenty of leaves but not many blooms or fruits. Look for fertilizer with a lower level of nitrogen compared to other nutrients. Don’t fertilize Cucumber when temperatures are high or when conditions are very dry. Doing so can cause the fertilizer to wash through the soil without being absorbed. Plants also have less ability to absorb nutrients during hot weather, which can allow the fertilizer to stay in the soil and prevent the plants from being able to take up water. This can be dangerous to plants during a drought or heatwave.

Question 4

How do I fertilize my Cucumber?

Accepted Answer

Different types of fertilizer will come with their own individual instructions, including the need to dilute some varieties or carefully measure out others. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully and do your research so you can avoid over fertilizing your garden. If your Cucumber is planted in a row, the side-dressing method can be used to be sure that fertilizer reaches the roots but no fertilizer touches the plant itself. This method involves mixing the fertilizer into the soil along the rows on either side, about 3 to 4 inches away from the base of the plant. Water then washes the nutrients into the soil and down to the roots. If side-dressing does not work for the configuration of your garden, you can always apply your fertilizer to the soil around the plant, again staying about 3 to 4 inches away. Granular type fertilizers can be scattered onto the soil, then lightly mixed in to make sure they are incorporated where you want them. Water thoroughly after applying dry fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are mixed into a watering can and the mixture is used to water and fertilize plants at the same time. Foliar feeding involves spraying the leaves with a specialized fertilizer mix instead of putting nutrients into the soil.

Question 5

What happens if I fertilize my Cucumber too much?

Accepted Answer

Over-fertilizing Cucumber can lead to root burn and even the death of the entire plant in extreme cases. More often, the plant will develop a lot of lush green foliage, but the flowering and fruiting will be reduced. With more leaves, there is also the danger of inviting more pests that feed on your Cucumber. It is possible to over-fertilize with both natural fertilizers or chemical fertilizers, although the latter is more common. Nitrogen is the most likely to cause problems but any nutrient in excess will cause similar problems. When using multiple types of fertilizer of soil amendment, make sure you understand everything that they will be introducing to your soil. If you add several different soil amendments that all contain the same nutrient, you could overdo it before you realize what has happened. Finally, it is important to avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can pollute groundwater. Unused nitrogen is not absorbed into the soil, so it can drain into nearby water sources and cause high concentrations of nitrates. High levels of nitrogen-nitrate are unhealthy for human and animal consumption, so it is very important to only use as much fertilizer as plants need.

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year

What type of fertilizer does my Cucumber need?

More Questions About Cucumber

Why do I need to fertilize my Cucumber?

When is the best time to fertilize my Cucumber?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Cucumber?

How do I fertilize my Cucumber?

What happens if I fertilize my Cucumber too much?