table of contents
- The skimming
- One-time process
- Step-by-step instructions
- Free range cucumbers as an exception
- frequently asked Questions
Hobby and professional gardeners are always discussing whether cucumbers really have to be maxed out. Nevertheless, the following are some tips on how to max out the cucumber plants.
In a nutshell
- Whether it is better to max out your cucumbers or not is controversial
- Controlled growth, strong plants and more flower formation are possible consequences
- Cut back should affect the lower 60 cm of the plant and shorten the tip at the same time
- large cucumber plants have less energy, so you should prune them back regularly
The skimming
The well-known stinging shoots are side shoots of a plant that are sterile. These grow between the summer shoot and the stem of the plant. Basically, there are good reasons for removing cucumber plants, although this does not guarantee a lush harvest:
- Control growth
- Cucumber plants more robust
- more flowers and fruits
- strong specimens
Note: By skimming cucumbers, you can direct the energy to the important flowers and fruits. The side shoots or its importance then fades into the background.
One-time process
A single pruning is enough for the cucumbers. This process is quick and easy by making a cut back at the top and bottom.
Tip: Be careful not to let the plants grow too big. This weakens the growth of the cucumber plants.
Step-by-step instructions
There are three steps to skim your cucumbers in the garden:
- shorten the lower area
- Tip if necessary snap
- Remove side shoots
Shorten at the bottom
First, remove all the buds, flowers and also shoots that grow on the cucumber below a height of 60 cm. You cut them off completely with a pair of secateurs. This stimulates the formation of buds.
Snap the tip
If the cucumber is too big, you should snap off the tip. This process promotes growth and is particularly necessary when the cucumber plant is larger than the climbing aid.
Treat side shoots
If the side and stingy shoots of the plant gain the upper hand, it is necessary to remove them. You have to max the cucumber as well. The cucumber plant should focus on the Main shoots focus.
Free range cucumbers as an exception
The free-range cucumbers thrive in the open air. Compared to the cucumber, the effort is manageable. Cutting measures are almost never necessary. However, if the cucumber plants spread more and more, you can counteract this with a pruning.
frequently asked Questions
With most types of cucumber, you should cut off the main shoot. The top side shoots then continue to grow. Cutting prevents the plant from drying out and repelling fruits. At the same time, the risk of illness decreases. The command with pests also becomes less likely.
Gardeners disagree on whether this process offers any real benefits. Unlike tomatoes, it cannot be determined with certainty that the harvest will be more abundant. However, there are no disadvantages either, so you are welcome to use the previous instructions as a guide.
Again and again you remove dried up and rotten leaves from the plant. This significantly reduces the risk of illness. At the same time, you should harvest the cucumber quickly, otherwise the taste will be bitter and watery.
