CULTIVATION OF CUCUMBER

 Cucumber belong to the curcubit  family (same family with Watermelon,Melon, Snake guard and Squash).Cucumber we see around in Africa belong to specie group called Cucumis Sativus. Cucumber requires any amount of space and possess the ability to climb. It originated from Asia continent but is now grown in most part of the world.

   Cucumber plants can survive in any environment and requires temperature between 15 - 33 degree celcius. As a result of this, cucumber is now cultivated in many regions of the world. You only need to amend the soil where you are going to plant it for cucumber to do well. You need to add much compost manure, mulch, water regularly and provide staking for the vine to climb upward. There are several varieties of cucumber, Ranging from hybrid to hybrid F1 variety like Murano 2 F1, Tokyo F1, Greengo F1 and the likes are some good resistance to most cucumber diseases.

STEPS IN CUCUMBER CULTIVATION.

STEP 1. LAND PREPARATION: Cucumber plants seriously require amendment of soil type as its root system develops and poorly absorb nutrients. The most suitable soil type for growing cucumber is sandy loamy or sandy soils, because of faster absorption of heat than other soil types. The small particle of sandy soil helps to prevent seedlings from collapse due to rain and win. Cucumber root is shallow resulting in poor ability to withstand drought, flooding and exposure of the crop to pests and diseases. Therefore, adequate care should be taken to prepare the soil for cucumber planting.

STEPS TO PREPARE THE LAND.

(a) Clear and Plow.

(b) Apply animal dropping and re-plow.

(c) Make beds.

(d)Fix Irrigation system.

(e)Open the holes and top dress.

(a) clear and plow: Clear and plow  the farmland where you intend to farm cucumber. Remove all unnecessary things. The land must not contain tree or shrub. Cucumber need sunshine to grow very well therefore you should not shade it.

(b) Application of organic manure: This is done before making beds. Though it can also be applied after making beds. You can apply pig, cow dropping or dung and allow for 3 days or more before planting.

(c) Make Beds: The height of the bed should be 20cm - 30cm.Beds should not be made higher because cucumber does not grow too deep into the soil. The width should be 1.0cm. The spacing between the beds should be 0.5 - 1m.

(d) Put drip irrigation system: You can do without drip irrigation if you are planting during the dry season. During the rainy season there is no need for drip irrigation. Cucumber requires enough water on daily basis.

(e) Cover the beds with Mulching film: Mulching film is made of plastic. Mulching is done so as to suppress weeds and conserve water in cucumber production. Holes are open on it where crops grow through in the thin plastic sheet. You must dispose mulching film properly after usage. The distance between one hole and the other is about 40 - 50cm.