Cultivation of various garden crops is a difficult and painstaking task, so gardeners are looking for many ways to achieve maximum results. Soaking the seeds of cucumbers before planting in order to improve crop performance is one of the well-proven procedures that are often resorted to. It has its own nuances, but with proper preparation and implementation it is able to bring a rich harvest to its hardworking farmer.
Rules for soaking cucumber seeds before planting
What is soaking
Soaking seeds is the immersion of future seedlings in a special solution in order to improve its sowing properties. Typically, this procedure is suitable for seeds before sowing, which have a lack of moisture and need additional attention. Thanks to the soaking, it is possible to unleash the full potential of the plants, make them work at full strength and in some way strengthen the immunity to various diseases.
The procedure is carried out in a container of glass or plastic. The best options would be a jar or container where the seeds are stacked. It is worth noting that not every seed is suitable for soaking. For example, grains that have already been warmed up and, moreover, processed, it is better not to soak, as this will affect their quality is very detrimental. Hatching seeds are most often also rejected, since they do not always germinate perfectly after treatment. It is believed that it is better not to risk seeing the germinating seeds, especially if you are a professional gardener who is able to choose the most promising from a variety of seeds.
Seed Soak Products
There are several proven drugs that are involved in the soaking of grains and excellently perform the task before sowing. They differ:
- harmlessness and safety;
- ease of use;
- the presence of nutrients and substances useful for seedlings;
- natural growth stimulants in the composition.
Despite the unifying features, there is no better treatment system, because each drug has its own individual characteristics.
Epin
One of the leading tools is Epin, which is based on plant components. If you soak the seeds in it, then they will become much stronger and will not be afraid of temperature changes. With Epin, future seedlings do not threaten to die both from frosts and as a result of a lack of sunlight.
Zircon
A proven tool is Zircon, the main component of which is chicory acid. It is designed to stimulate growth and accelerates the emergence of roots.
Gumin
Soaking the seeds of cucumbers in a humine based on sodium humate is also very justified. This solution not only improves the germination of grains before planting, but also contains many nutrients that are important for the full development, which cucumbers need so much.
Some gardeners soak the seeds in a product containing a number of trace elements. This is necessary if the open ground, in which seedlings are planted, has a meager content of substances useful for grains.
Folk remedies for soaking
Those who strive to use all natural, before sowing, will be able to fully use the proven methods that have long been used by the people.
With aloe
Aloe juice can be a great option, where you can soak the seeds by wrapping them in a cloth. The plant has powerful antibacterial properties, and also stimulates the growth of plants that sprout faster.
With ash
The ash solution has proven itself, thanks to which the treated plants can be saturated with mineral substances and get everything necessary for full development. Only 2 tbsp. tablespoons of ash mixed with 1 spoon of boiled water so that the seeds are nourished.
With honey
Seeds can be soaked in a solution of honey
A honey-based solution is another option for saturating future seedlings. It is prepared according to the proportion: 1 tsp. honey in a glass of water. It is enough to drop a bag of fabric there, in which grains of both pure cucumbers and hybrids will lie.
With potato juice
Another option from the people - potato juice. You need to take a few potatoes, peel them and be sure to leave them in the refrigerator for several hours. After this, the fruits need to be squeezed, and in the resulting juice put the seeds of cucumber.
with onion peel
For the time-tested method with onion peel, you will need a liter of boiling water, in which the ash solution is located. Manganese (1 g), 0.2 g of boric acid and soda (5 g) are added there. The components are well mixed, and then future cucumbers are added to them.
With peroxide
Very often, hydrogen peroxide is added to an existing composition. This tool helps to activate seed growth, as well as prepare for sowing. Only 3% of the composition is enough to carry out the soaking procedure as efficiently as possible.
The amount of time to soak
To carry out the procedure efficiently, you need, without a doubt, to know many of the nuances.
It is important to take into account such a moment as preliminary disinfection. If you intend to carry out this procedure, then you will need a solution of potassium permanganate. Only 20-60 minutes are enough for the seeds to receive their portion of disinfection.
How long should the seeds soak? As a rule, the time it takes for the seeds to settle in the liquid can be different - there is no single rule. If you take ready-made products, then the average aging time of seeds in them will be 2-3 days.
If we talk about solutions prepared at home, the amount of time that future seedlings will spend in the liquid can vary:
- So, in aloe juice, seeds are enough to hold for only 24 hours. This time is enough to achieve the desired effect, and then germination.
- Soaking the seeds of cucumbers before planting in an ash solution will require at least 2 days for the product to infuse. Only in this case will it be possible to achieve the desired result. After 3-6 hours, the processed future seedlings-cucumbers are ready for further action by the farmer.
- When using a solution of honey, it will take only 6 hours for the product to have a beneficial effect on plants, and the treatment will turn out to be of high quality. Potato without a peel is prepared a little longer, as well as seed. It will take him at least 8 hours to be fully prepared for further use.
- When using a solution based on onion peel, it will take only 5-6 hours, and the seeds will receive everything necessary in order to be stronger and more active in growth.
Soaking Secrets
Having found out under what conditions and for how long it is necessary to soak the seeds, you can safely begin the procedure. To do this, you need a container with a solution and gauze or a rag. In it you need to carefully put the seeds, and then tightly wrap. You can use a plastic bag where to put the seed. Some women use an old bra with foam cups as rags, which creates a certain percentage of heat, which is important for seedlings before the planting and germination stages.
You can also put wrapped material for sowing in a jar, tightly closing it with a lid. This will maintain the desired temperature for the plants.
Among other things, it should be noted that:
- melt water is best for soaking;
- chlorine-based fluid cannot be used at all;
- the optimum water temperature is 26-30 degrees, and the presence of hot is not allowed;
- the tissue should always be in water so that the seeds do not die from dryness;
- it is best to place the seeds between the layers of tissue - so they get more moisture.
If the treatment passes correctly, the seed will not fail, and after a few days the happy gardener will be able to plant in the ground and then get a generous crop of cucumbers.
