How to properly pinch cucumbers in the open field and in the greenhouse

Pinching cucumbers is a basic rule in the formation of a prolific bush. Cucumbers are one of the crops that are subject to this procedure. Most summer residents neglect this method, most often because of the complexity in its implementation. But in order to achieve a good harvest, unfortunately, one cannot do without forming a bush. The pinching method is very important for cucumbers, which grow not only in the ground, but also in a greenhouse or greenhouse.

Pinching makes it possible to get a bountiful harvest of cucumbers without bitterness.

Related article: diseases of cucumbers with a photo of leaves and their treatment!

Why pinch cucumbers

Correctly pinching cucumbers in a greenhouse or open field produces a good and abundant harvest. Many people think that this is a waste of time, and good results can be obtained without using this method. Sometimes it turns out that way, because the main part depends on the type of plant and the characteristics of its care. But do not forget that if you do not control the growth of a vegetable crop, a huge number of barren flowers appear on the plant, which do not give a good fruiting crop. To obtain a good harvest, good shoots are needed, which grow on the side of the plant.

Why pinching is useful:

• the appearance of female shoots is stimulated, which give good fruits;
• such cucumbers without bitterness;
• abundant fruiting.

How to pinch cucumbers in a greenhouse

Pinching cucumbers in greenhouse conditions is a rather complicated process. But if the procedure is followed according to the scheme, many problems can be avoided. In order to perform the pinching correctly, it is important to know when it needs to be done.

This method is carried out in four stages:

1. After the first pair of leaves appears on the bush, the first pinching is performed. After that, all sprouts are thoroughly watered.
2. The second pinching is done after the formation of the next 6-8 leaves; Pinch the lateral shoots that come from the main sprout.
3. The third procedure is performed after the formation of 10 leaves. Then pinch the lateral shoots with male ovaries.
4. When 11 and 12 leaves are formed on the tops of a cucumber, such a plant reaches the correct length, which is enough to fix it on the crossbar itself. This is the last step in pinching, after which the vegetable crop is fed.

Pinching in a greenhouse or greenhouse is done in four steps.

It is worth taking into account: if the cucumbers growing in greenhouse conditions are left without pinching, then the tops of the culture will grow strongly, the bulk of the crop will die. Everything happens due to the lack of sunlight.

How to pinch open field cucumbers

It is necessary to form a bush so as not to damage the side stems. The plant should be tied to a trellis or rope. Tie up it is necessary when it begins to slope down and branch. The garter should not be tight, the bush should grow and develop freely.

Not all varieties are subject to pinching. This is especially true for hybrid types of cucumbers. To pinch open field cucumbers their whips must be formed.

How to pinch outdoors:

1. To form the correct lash, it is necessary to cut off the top over 5-6 leaves, leaving 3 shoots on the bush. The remaining branches should be removed.
2. Timely prune yellow leaves and twisted branches.
3. Simple cucumber varieties are formed into 1 or 2 stems. Therefore, 4 zones for growth are left on the stem, the top of the plant is carefully cut off.
4. In places of growth, it is necessary to leave those shoots from which it is planned to harvest, everything else is removed.
5. Do not forget to cut off curly and weak loops in time.

By performing the pinching process in stages, you can achieve the correct growth of the vegetable crop.

Procedure rules

The correct pinching of cucumbers is an important procedure after which the plant begins to receive more sunlight and important elements for the formation of good fruits. In order to form a bush, it is necessary to pinch the individual stems of the plant. In this way, a properly designed bush will produce good fruit.

It is worth taking into account that cucumbers have a bad root, which cannot fully provide the ovary and fruits with useful elements. For this reason, the plant may have yellow leaves that wither soon.

If the procedure for forming a bush is carried out according to all the rules, then these problems can be avoided. Such bushes will give much more yield than those that grow unformed.

Also, the summer resident is advised to ensure that the extra stems on the vegetable are removed in time, otherwise this may affect the fruiting of the crop.

Formation of a bush into one stem

If the process of growing cucumbers is carried out in greenhouse conditions, then there is no need to wait until the bush stretches out. At first glance, the procedure for forming into one stem is a rather complicated process. If you constantly monitor the plant and notice the appearance of new shoots, the formation procedure will not be a problem.

Once every 7 days, you need to inspect the bush for new shoots.

How to form a bush correctly:

1. 10-12 days after planting cucumbers in the soil, you should tie the bush with a rope, pulling them to a certain height.
2. In places where the sinuses are located, remove sprouts and flowers between the first four leaves.
3. After the next 5 leaves have grown, remove the lateral new shoots.
4. Remove the side shoots during the growth of the stem.
5. The formation of the bush ends when the stem outgrows the height for tying, then the top of the bush is pinched.

For high-quality formation of a cucumber bush, it is preferable to use a high-quality spicy secateurs.

Formation of a bush into several stems

This method of formation involves bushes with several main lateral stems.

How to make the formation:

• the main stem is pulled and fixed with a strong rope;
• before the appearance of the first ovaries, the lateral shoots do not touch;
• after the first ovaries appear, the lateral shoots are attracted to the main stem;
• tendrils that grow from shoots tie the plant to the main stem;
• as the next shoots grow, they are tied to the main stem.

Important tips for correct pinching

Every summer resident knows how to pinch cucumbers, but there are situations when, in the process of forming a bush, situations occur that require help. For those who have just started getting to know the garden, it is important to study all the information in detail in order to avoid unpleasant situations:

1. In the process of tying cucumbers, it is worth remembering about the weak root system of the plant. The procedure should be performed carefully without damaging the roots.
2. During the formation of the bush, do not forget about loosening the soil around the plant.
3. It is worth taking great care to remove male inflorescences and unnecessary sprouts in time.
4. When working with a bush, it is worth remembering not only the fragile root system, but also the fragility of the main stem. All manipulations should be performed very carefully.
5. Damaged tendrils or dry yellowed leaves should not be torn off, but carefully cut off with scissors.
6. Caring for cucumbers, only clean tools should be used for pruning in order to prevent infection of the plant.
7. During harvest time, it is undesirable to swap the tops of the bushes. This often provokes yellowing and death of the plant.
8. You should be careful with stumps after cutting the leaves. They cannot be left, otherwise the plant is affected by powdery mildew, which will not allow the plant to form the ovaries correctly.

The procedure for pinching cucumbers is quite complicated, but very effective. When done correctly, the result is a bountiful harvest of sweet cucumbers without bitterness.

Read also the article: growing cucumbers in a greenhouse!

How to form cucumbers - video