Whether in a salad, smoothie, as a dip or a soothing face mask - cucumbers are real all-rounders and are one of the Germans' absolute favorite vegetables in the summer. In addition, the crunchy vegetables are low in calories and rich in many minerals and vitamins. So it's no wonder that more and more people are growing and cultivating cucumbers in their garden. We all know that everything that we grow ourselves always tastes better. But what if you don't have a large garden? Then you will simply grow your cucumbers in the pot! Are you ready to learn how to grow cucumbers on the balcony? Then read on, because with our tips you are guaranteed to enjoy a generous harvest.
Growing cucumbers in a pot: What should you pay attention to?
Cucumbers are the Germans' absolute favorite summer vegetable and it's hard to imagine the table without them. Since the plants are generally easy to care for, more and more hobby gardeners are choosing toGrowing cucumbers in the garden. But if you have little space available or live in a city apartment, you can also plant cucumbers in pots or buckets. However, the rules for growing them are slightly different than in gardens. Below we will explain what you should pay attention to when growing cucumbers in pots.
Choose the right pot
If you want to grow cucumbers in a pot, you first need the right pot. In order for the plants to grow well, the perfect container must not be too small or shallow. Since the roots of the cucumbers need more space to spread, it is best to choose pots and tubs with a volume of between 10 and 15 liters. This also allows the vegetables to retain moisture better, which is essential for a successful retirement. When growing cucumbers in pots, the following rule applies: A cucumber plant usually needs a space that is approximately 25 cm wide and deep. So that the irrigation water can drain away and the roots do not rot, you should make sure that the container has a drain for the water.
The right soil for cucumbers in the pot
No matter whether you want to grow cucumbers in pots or outdoors - the summer vegetable is a heavy consumer. In order to enjoy a generous harvest, the plants need onehumus-rich and loose soil. It is also important that you enrich the soil every week with an organic fertilizer that is rich in magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, but does not contain nitrogen. If this is too time-consuming for you, you can add slow-release fertilizer to the soil right from the start. However, a bit of sensitivity is required because an oversupply of nutrients causes the cucumbers to become soft and produce more leaves than fruits.
Water cucumbers diligently
When it comes to cucumbers in a pot or bucket: water, water and water again! Since the plants consist of 95% water, they also have a fairly high water requirement. Especially if you put the cucumbers on thePlant balcony, it may well happen that you have to water the plants twice a day in midsummer. The smaller the container, the more often the vegetables need to be watered. However, you shouldn't overdo it - the key to a successful harvest is to keep the soil constantly and moist at all times. To reduce the effort and store moisture for a longer period of time, you could help yourself with a layer of mulch.
Which location to grow cucumbers on the balcony?
In order for your cucumbers to thrive in the pot, they of course need the right location. Since the vegetables need a lot of heat and light, a sunny, south-facing location would be perfect. A place against the wall and with a roof overhang would be even better - this way the vegetables remain protected from wind and rain. To prevent the soil from drying out completely, you should remove the container from the heat on very hot days. If you grow other vegetables on the balcony, you should also pay attention to the distance. Cucumbers generally need more space to grow and the distance from the rest of the plants should be at least 40 cm.
Do cucumbers in pots need a climbing aid?
Depending on the variety, cucumbers can develop tendrils that are one to three meters long and since they grow upwards, you need a climbing aid. If you plant cucumbers in pots, the easiest way to attach them to a wooden pole is with cable ties. Alternatively, narrow trellises, which should be no more than 1 meter high, are also available for the balcony.
Cucumbers in the pot: The best cucumber varieties for the balcony
As a rule, you can plant absolutely any type of cucumber in a pot. But for the balcony, more compact varieties with slightly smaller fruits, such as mini and snack cucumbers, would be much more practical than hanging cucumbers. And here are some of the best varieties that are ideal for growing cucumbers on the balcony:
- Minister
- Picolino
- Bush Pickle
- Bush Crop
- Baby Bush
- Dragonfly
- Mexican mini cucumber
