Step by Step guidance for cucumber farming

During the summer season most of the people feel dehydrated and try to overcome with the help of water but they don't know that water is not sufficient in summer for fulfil the hydrating needs you should eat and drink all water counting food and drinks just like cucumber that are about 95% water, making them very refreshing and hydrating. This high water content also explains why they can't be frozen without turning mushy.

Cucumbers are economically significant due to their high nutritional and medicinal value. They are widely cultivated and consumed globally, making them a crucial crop in many regions, it has its own spiritual significance in India.

Cucumbers are offered during Janmashtami to symbolize purification and spiritual renewal. They represent a fresh start and are associated with the calming effect of Lord Krishna's birth, much like how cucumbers cool the body. Let's understand deeply about cucumbers: 

Understanding Cucumbers more deeply

Cucumbers are a type of edible fruit that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. They are widely cultivated for their culinary and nutritional value. The nutritional value of the cucumber is low, but its delicate flavour makes it popular for salads and relishes. Small fruits are often pickled. 

Cucumbers are believed to have originated in India, specifically in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, where they were domesticated from their wild relative about 3,000 years ago

The cucumber can be grown in frames or on trellises in greenhouses in cool climates and is cultivated as a field crop and in home gardens in warmer areas.  

Cucumbers are grown as a creeping vine and can be classified into three main types: slicing, pickling, and seedless/burpless. They are cultivated globally and are a significant crop in many regions. 

The ideal season for growing cucumbers varies by region, but generally, they thrive in warm weather. If we talk about in India cucumbers can be grown from February to May during the summer months. In mountainous regions, the best time is March to April. During the rainy season, June and July are also suitable for planting in some areas.

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Cucumbers are widely produced in several states across India. Here are the top cucumber-producing states:

1. West Bengal: This state is the largest producer of cucumbers in India, accounting for about 20.32% of the country's total cucumber output. Greenhouses in West Bengal provide an ideal environment for cucumber cultivation.
2. Madhya Pradesh: Known for its tropical climate, Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest producer, contributing 14.76% to India's total cucumber production.
3. Karnataka: Karnataka ranks third, with the Dakshina Kannada cucumber variety playing a significant role in its production, accounting for 8.11% of India's total output.
4. Tamil Nadu: This state is a major hub for cucumber cultivation, producing popular varieties like Sattur Vellaripinchu and Malini.
5. Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh ranks fifth in cucumber production, contributing 6.45% to the national total. The Sultanpur district is particularly notable for its cucumber cultivation.

Different types of cucumber 

There are so many different types of cucumbers out there - there is bound to be one that suits your growing and culinary needs. Here is an overview of them,

1. Slicing Cucumbers: These are also known as garden cucumbers and are the most common cucumbers found in grocery stores.  They are relatively smooth-skinned and dark green. It typically has large seeds, so seeding is often necessary before use. They are versatile and can be used in salads, sandwiches, and as a snack.
2. Pickling Cucumbers: This variety of cucumber is also known as Kirby, is bred to grow small and uniform (so you can fit them in a pickle jar). They tend to be heavy producers and can also be bush or vining types. If we talk about its botanical description, it is short, stout, and bumpy, usually with a mix of green and yellow patches.
3. English cucumbers: English cucumbers are also known as seedless cucumbers, and are a popular variety due to their unique characteristics and versatility in culinary applications. It is long and slender, typically with dark green skin. Seedlings  are almost seedless, which makes them easier to use in recipes without needing to remove seeds.
4. Gherkins cucumbers: Gherkins are a type of small cucumber, often used for pickling. They are typically short, stout, and bumpy, with a mix of green and yellow patches. Flavours of these varieties with garlic and dill, but can also be sweet. 
5. Bush cucumbers: Bush cucumbers are a compact variety of cucumber plants that are ideal for small gardens, containers, or urban spaces. They offer several advantages over traditional vining cucumbers, making them popular among gardeners. Bush cucumbers have a compact, bushy growth habit, typically reaching a height and spread of about 2 to 3 feet.

Also Read: Polyhouse Farming in India: Cost, Benefits & Key Components

Step by step guidance for cucumber cultivation 

Following some important steps, you can successfully cultivate cucumbers in a variety of settings, from home gardens to commercial farms.

1. Soil preparation: Ensure the soil is well-prepared and weed-free. Perform 3-4 ploughings to bring the soil to a fine tilth as cucumber requires  a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 5.5 to 6.7 also add  well-rotted compost or manure to enrich the soil with nutrients.
2. Sowing seeds: Sow seeds when the soil temperature is at least 13°C (55°F) for direct sowing. For faster germination, maintain a temperature of around 20°C (68°F). Sow seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. For direct sowing in the garden, space them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 4 feet apart. Alternatively, start seedlings in pots and transplant them when they have 2-3 sets of leaves.
3. Fertilizers: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 14-14-14 NPK) at the rate of about 15 g per hill before planting, also after a month, apply a mixture of urea and muriate of potash (2:1 ratio) as a sidedress.
4. Irrigation process: Use drip irrigation for efficient water use. In dry seasons, irrigate every 10 days; during wet seasons, irrigate only when necessary and water them immediately after planting to ensure uniform germination.
5. Weed management: Regularly hand-weed the planted rows and use underbrush or rotavate between rows. Also include the mulching process by applying mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid it during hot summer months.
6. Harvesting: Cucumbers are ready to harvest about 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety, thus harvest regularly to encourage continuous production. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the stem just above the fruit.