Cucumbers are one of the popular vegetables, cultivated by almost every gardener. The owners feel a lot of annoyance when the time and effort invested have not brought the expected results. The main factor for the successful cultivation of greens is the proper preparation of cucumber seeds for planting, including soaking.
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Obligatory check of seeds of a cucumber for germination, whether they will germinate
Before sowing, be sure to check the seeds for germination. It is not known how long the old or low-quality seed has a vital reserve; therefore, one cannot wait for sprouts on the soil surface. To save time and money, it is recommended to make testing procedures for seed grains on the ability to germinate. This gives hope that the seedlings will be viable. During the soaking process, attention is paid to important factors:
- modification of seeds in a humid environment;
- germination rate;
- the number of suitable grains from the selected number.
The process looks like this: 10-15 pieces are taken from the total mass of seeds, and then laid out on a cloth moistened with warm water, laid out on a saucer. The top should be covered with plastic film and put the saucer in a warm place, protected from drafts (temperature range from 20 to 23 degrees). Several times a day, you need to check the condition of the seeds, so as not to miss when the sprouts begin to bite. It is worth paying attention to the napkin, in case of drying it will be necessary to moisten it again.. To do this, just spray warm water from a spray bottle so as not to disturb the seeds.
How to soak:
- the procedure is carried out only after the disinfection of seeds;
- the liquid used should be sufficient, there is no danger of full grain immersion;
- when immersing the seed in the solution should be mixed several times with your hand or spatula;
- after soaking the seed must be immediately planted in the ground or deposited for germination;
- processing time depends on the solution used.
The right methods of home germination for planting in the ground
In the process of preparing for seeding using one of the known methods of germination. The most popular and effective methods to germinate seeds are as follows.
Soak in saline for a while
Saline is considered universal, it allows you to determine the germination and show which specimens will sprout and which will not for almost any culture. The working solution is prepared from 6-10 g of table salt and an incomplete glass of warm water. The process itself involves filling the bowl first with seed, then filling the tank with the prepared liquid. After 6-8 minutes, the pop-up seeds are collected, as they become unsuitable for planting. Those that have lasted all the time at the bottom have a good life potential. This process also allows you to disinfect the seed. Thereafter plant seeds can be safely.
Soak in biologically active preparations for rapid germination
It is considered multifunctional to soak seeds in a liquid enriched with biologically active preparations. The most famous are:
- Zircon;
- Solution of humate potassium or sodium;
- Iwine;
- Epin-Extra.
The method of treating seed with Zircon provides for the preparation of a working solution from 300 ml of water and 2 drops of the preparation and takes time. Soaking the grain in it lasts for 8-18 hours, during which time the sprouts should roll. The tool acts in areas such as stimulation of germination, strengthening the immune system.
A good result is obtained if you process the material Gumat. When using it, take powder (1 gram) and 100 ml of water at room temperature to prepare the mother liquor. Store the product in a cool place (for example, in the refrigerator on the door). Before use, 1 ml of the solution is diluted with 100 ml of water. Seeds are soaked in the resulting liquid for 24 hours.
Ivin has an excellent stimulating and anti-stress effect. For soaking preparing a solution of 2 drops of funds and 2 liters of water at room temperature. Processing time is 18-24 hours. Which drug to choose depends on you.
Soda solutions will help sprout faster
Baking soda is useful not only in the kitchen, but also for garden work. It has an antimicrobial effect, helps to prolong the period of fruiting. For soaking preparing a working solution of 1 liter of warm water and 1 teaspoon of soda. It is necessary to defend the seeds in such a solution for at least a day.
Disputes over the appropriateness of the use of soda has been going on for more than one year. The only thing that is not in doubt - it is the ability to soften the surface of the grains, allowing moisture to penetrate unhindered inside the seed. To enhance the effect, various recipes have been developed, which include the addition of other biostimulants:
- aloe juice (200 ml of water, 5 ml of aloe juice, 1/4 tsp. of soda);
- Tsitovita (5 drops of water, 1/5 tsp. Of soda, 350 ml of water).
Soaking in Épinay will allow more quick germination of cucumber seeds
The drug Epin has a wide spectrum of action. It is a regulator and adaptogen capable of controlling the balance of substances in the plant.The active components of the product provide rapid germination of seeds, strengthen the culture immunity, resistance to a moist environment, which occurs as a result of heavy rainfall or flooding.
For the germination of the seeds of cucumbers prepare a solution of 100 ml of water and 1-2 drops of the drug. It is necessary to maintain them in the biostimulator for at least 18-20 hours at a temperature of 20-23 ° C, that is, the process is rather long.
Folk recipes for processing seedlings
Long before planting, the seeds were also germinated for fast germination. From generation to generation, perennial proven folk recipes are transmitted, which are used to this day. Carrots, pumpkins, beets, radishes, squash - this is only part of the plants, the seeds of which can be soaked in these solutions before planting. Here are some simple and effective options.
Recipe number 1 - allows you to sprout in 6 hours
An excellent stimulant is honey dissolved in water. For preparation use a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of a sweet component. The procedure is performed by filling the bowl with honey solution and immersing seed in it for 6 hours.
Recipe number 2 - bring the landing
The seeds of cucumber sprout well in pure potato juice. To obtain it, you need to select several root crops and put them in the freezer for freezing. After being removed from the refrigerator, the potatoes should be thawed. Squeeze the juice you need to manually, it is quite simple. Soaked seeds in the juice settled for at least 8 hours.
Recipe number 3 - soak in the ashes
Wood ash has a valuable chemical composition, rich in nutritious minerals and trace elements. This component can also be used for germinating cucumber seeds. Initially preparing the infusion of boiled water (1 liter) and ash (2 tablespoons). The liquid must infuse for at least 2 days, after which the grains are immersed in it for 6 hours.
Recipe №4 - process aloe juice
Soaking seed in aloe juice not only stimulates growth, but also strengthens the immune system of the plant. After this treatment, it will be easier to resist various diseases and pests of the young shoot. To get the juice from the home plant you need to cut off the mature leaves from the bottom of the stem. Wrapping them in paper (preferably parchment), should be put in the fridge for two weeks.After that, the juice is very easily squeezed out manually. The extracted liquid is diluted with a small amount of water and seeds are poured into the solution for a day.
The preparation process is not really difficult. It is not necessary when planting cucumbers to be guided only by information on the shelf life indicated on the package. Spending no more than a few minutes, you can verify the quality of the purchased material.