Cucumber
Cucumber is one of the most commonly used plants by humans. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, with its original homeland being in southern Asia. Today, cucumbers are grown on all continents and are considered a significant commodity in global markets. The fruit has a cylindrical shape, elongated with pointed ends, and can grow up to 60 cm in length and 10 cm in diameter. Each cucumber contains more than 90% water.
Cucumber is a key ingredient in many dishes, especially salads, and it offers numerous health benefits with a taste that is widely appreciated. The leading global producers of cucumber include China, Iran, Turkey, Russia, the United States, Ukraine, Spain, Egypt, Japan, and Indonesia.
How to Grow Cucumbers
- Choose the Type of Seeds
There are many types of cucumber seeds, such as Amco Green, Amco Green CMVR, Alpha, Alpha Hybrid, Regular Alpha, Local Baladi, and Tender Green, among others. Climbing cucumber varieties are considered the best choice. - Select the Right Location
In moderate climates, choose a piece of land that receives daily sunlight, especially during the planting season. In hot climates, opt for a shaded area, preferably one that is next to a wall.- Dig several holes in the ground using a pickaxe.
- Add around 100 grams of organic fertilizer to each hole and mix it with the soil to blend thoroughly.
- Maintain a spacing of 30–50 cm between each hole, depending on the seed type.
- Plant the Seeds
Select high-quality seeds and place four seeds in each hole at a depth of about 5 cm. This should be done in early spring, ensuring there are no renewed frost waves or storms, as growth is heavily dependent on warm temperatures. - Watering and Fertilization
- Water the plants three times a week, paying special attention to watering during flowering and the initial fruiting stages. Ensure the cucumber plants have balanced moisture without becoming overly dry.
- Fertilize the plants again with organic fertilizer when they reach four weeks of age.
- Spread straw or fallen dry leaves around the base of the plants to help retain coolness and reduce heat stress.
- Thinning and Maintenance
After two weeks of planting, thin out the seedlings, leaving only two plants per hole. This encourages better growth and yields good-quality fruits.- Daily care is essential, as the plants can grow excessively large and lose their desired taste if neglected.
- Harvesting
Cucumber fruits are ready for harvest two to three months after planting. To ensure the best flavor, monitor the plants closely during this time.
To learn more about cucumber-based recipes, such as the cucumber-yogurt salad, watch the accompanying video.
