Planting cucumbers on the balcony is also possible without any problems if a few points are observed when caring for them. Here we reveal how it works.

In a nutshell

  • Cucumbers can easily be grown on the balcony
  • different ones are particularly suitable
  • Light conditions and temperatures are crucial
  • Culture is not expensive
  • Climbing aids must be made available in any case

sorts

Suitable varieties for the balcony include:

  • Picolino F1
  • Mini Stars - Cucumis sativus
  • Pony F1
  • Johanna
  • dragon-fly

These are cultivated forms that are suitable for outdoor use. They do not need a greenhouse and are resistant to pests and diseases.

Cucumber variety 'Mini Star'

location and lighting conditions

Cucumber plants need plenty of light and warmth to thrive. It is therefore ideal if the location is sheltered and sunny. For this reason, we recommend:

  • a balcony on the south side
  • locations close to walls
  • draught-free places
  • sunny areas

Earth

The easiest way is to buy ready-made special soil in stores. Suitable substrate is, among other things, tomato or vegetable soil. Alternatively, potting soil that has been enriched with compost and loosened up with sand or coconut fibers can also be used. In any case, it is important that the substrate meets the following factors:

  • permeable
  • humorous
  • relaxed
  • nutritious
  • not tending towards compression
  • can store water

planters

Pots that have both a large volume and sufficient stability are recommended as containers for planting your cucumbers on the balcony. In addition, the tubs or pots must have a good drainage for the irrigation water.

Tip: Depending on the type of cucumber you choose, there should be at least 20 to 30 liters of soil. About 50 liter containers are better. The larger the pot, the easier it is to care for.

Young cucumber plants are available from the garden store or from the gardener.

sowing or planting out

In principle, both are possible. Buying young plants directly from retailers is the easiest and fastest option. They can be taken outside from the right temperatures and show faster success. In addition, they require less effort.
However, it is also possible to prefer the cucumber from seeds and plant them out or sow them directly on the balcony. Although this takes longer and means more work, it makes it possible, for example, to multiply a particularly tasty cucumber from the supermarket yourself. Apart from that, the plants can be brought forward at a time when the temperature outside is far from high enough. In this way it is also possible to bring young plants to the terrace in spring. It is necessary to only cultivate them outside when the temperatures are consistently above ten degrees Celsius.

Breeding instructions

Sowing cucumber seeds is comparatively easy in itself. Only the following steps are important:

  1. Sow moist: Seeds that are obtained directly from the cucumbers should be sown directly. It is best if the seeds are still wet in the ground. Overnight soaking is recommended for purchased seeds. This speeds up germination.
  2. Use correct soil: Sowing soil or potting soil are ideal for pre-cultivation. These substrates contain only a small amount of nutrients and therefore promote vigorous but not rapid growth.
  3. Observe temperatures: Preparing at temperatures of about 18 °C to 25 °C is favourable. The seedlings do not shoot up too quickly, but usually show the first cotyledons after a week.
  4. Light: A bright and sheltered location is ideal. This makes a window sill on the south side suitable, for example. Drafts and other cold sources as well as a lack of lighting, on the other hand, are detrimental to germination.
  5. Humidity: The soil should always be kept slightly moist but not wet.
  6. Depth: It is sufficient to press the seeds one centimeter deep into the top layer of soil or to cover them slightly with it.

pour

One of the most time-consuming points of care is watering the cucumber plants. Due to the comparatively small amount of soil, there are only few water reserves available to the plants. In summer it can therefore happen that the cucumbers on your balcony have to be watered every day. Water that meets the following criteria is well suited:

  • soft and therefore low in lime
  • not too cold
  • no exposure to pollutants

Stale tap water, untreated pond water or aquarium water is optimal. You can also use filtered water or rainwater. The soil should always be slightly damp and never completely dry. However, waterlogging should also be avoided. A layer of drainage at the bottom of the planter and good drainage are critical to success in cultivation.

Notice: The hardness of the tap water can be found out from the responsible waterworks. Alternatively, test strips can also be used.

Fertilize

Just like watering, fertilizing cucumbers can take some effort. Because the plants not only need frequent watering, but also larger amounts of nutrients. However, if you want to plant cucumbers on your balcony, you can limit this measure to two doses a year with complete fertilizer or long-term fertilizer and thus reduce the work considerably.
Are suitable:

  • tomato fertilizer
  • cucumber fertilizer
  • vegetable fertilizer

However, horn shavings and horn meal, stable manure and well-rotted compost are also suitable. In any case, it is important that the nutrients are well distributed in the substrate. This works on the one hand by working it into the soil and on the other hand by generously diluting it with water. These measures prevent excessive concentrations of nutrients at the roots. This also avoids so-called chemical burns. These occur when too many nutrients are concentrated in one place.

climbing aid

A climbing aid is required in any case. Because the cucumber plants climb up and need something to stabilize themselves. Among other things, the following are suitable:

A grid as a climbing aid for cucumber plants in pots.
  • grid
  • rods
  • nets

Adjustable trellis are often the best solution as a climbing aid for the cucumbers on your balcony. They are easy to insert and remove. You can also easily customize them.

waste

There are several good reasons for blending and reducing sprouting. Below:

  • increase in yield
  • limitation of size
  • enable second harvest

The following measures help to make the yield particularly high:

  • pinch off the first flowers
  • only leave one main shoot
  • harvest ripe cucumbers immediately
  • remove damaged or dried plant parts

frequently asked Questions

When is the right time to plant cucumbers?

Plant or sow the cucumbers around March. It is only important that the temperatures are above ten degrees Celsius at night.

Should diseases or pests be expected?

An infestation is quite possible. For this reason, regular checks are required. The undersides of the leaves should also be checked.

Planting cucumbers - when to harvest?

This depends both on the selected variety and on the prevailing conditions. It is advisable to cut off ripe cucumbers as soon as possible. This protects the plant's energy.

Category:

Vegetable garden