How To Grow Cucumbers in Container.

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Growing cucumbers in container can be a rewarding experience if done correctly. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve a successful cucumber crop on your rooftop or balcony.

Cultivation Method

Breed Introduction

  • Varieties: High-yielding varieties such as Bari-1, Japanese Long Green, Pusha, and Straight Eight are suitable for tub cultivation.

Cucumber Cultivation Time

  • Optimal Time: February to March is the best time for cultivation. However, hybrid varieties can be sown year-round.

Making Seedlings from Cucumber Seeds

  1. Soak the Seeds: Soak the seeds in water for 12 hours.
  2. Prepare Seed Bed: Mix 60% loam soil with 40% dry cow dung and a small amount of ash. Place the soaked seeds on the seed bed and cover with a jute bark or cotton cloth. Water the cloth or bark lightly for a few days.
  3. Transplant to Poly Bags: Once seeds germinate (in 3-4 days), transfer them to poly bags filled with a mixture of doash soil and cow dung. Seedlings will be ready for planting in 10-15 days.

Container Size

  • Dimensions: Minimum tub size should be 18”×18”. You can plant 1-2 seedlings per tub.

Preparation of Tub Soil

  1. Layering: Make a drainage hole at the bottom of the tub. Add 2″ of bricks followed by 1″ of sand.
  2. Soil Mix: Mix one part soil, one part rotted dung, leaf rot manure or vermicomposting, half part ash, and half part cocopeat. Add 150 grams of mustard seeds and 100 grams of neem seeds to this mix.
  3. Fill the Tub: Fill the tub with the prepared soil mix and let it sit for 15-20 days before planting.

Planting and Care

  1. Spacing: Place tubs at a certain distance for proper growth.
  2. Loft Support: Building a loft or trellis for the plants to climb can improve yield.

Watering

  • Frequency: Water the plants twice daily, in the morning and afternoon.
  • Additional Water: Use water from washing meat or fish to benefit the plants.
  • Avoid Waterlogging: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.

Fertilizer Application

  1. Regular Feeding: Apply organic fertilizers regularly. Mix urea and other fertilizers with the soil at a distance of 6 inches from the base.
  2. Liquid Fertilizer: Prepare liquid fertilizer by mixing 200 grams of mustard seeds or 500 grams of dry cow dung with 2 liters of water. Let it sit for two days, then add one teaspoon of NPK or mixed fertilizer if needed. Apply at least 6-8” away from the base.

Disease Control

Natural Methods

  1. Birds: Attract birds to help control pests.
  2. Organic Traps: Use traps to catch insects and spiders.
  3. Organic Pesticides: Use neem leaf or marigold leaf juice as pesticides. Neem oil is also effective.
  4. Poison Bait: Mix 0.25 grams of Dipterex with 100 grams of water and 100 grams of crushed pumpkin. Place in a clay container near the plants. Replace every four days.

Chemical Methods

  1. Fruit Fly: To prevent fruit fly infestation, sprinkle ash .
  2. Fly Pest Control: Cover young fruits with paper, cloth, or polythene to prevent fly pests from laying eggs inside the fruit.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow cucumbers in tubs, ensuring healthy plants and a bountiful harvest. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to managing pests and diseases effectively.