Probably all gardeners faced with an unpleasant surprise, as the bitter cucumber.This happens quite often.Of course, such cucumbers may be eaten by removing them from the skin, but if you run out of vitamins and minerals, because it is the peel contains most of them.So what do you do and why cucumbers bitter?In the greenhouse or in the garden they grew up - it does not matter.In this article we will discuss the causes of this phenomenon and ways to remedy it, and talk about how to care for greenhouse cucumber to avoid the bitter taste.
What people are saying
among amateur gardeners portrayed different opinions about this, and they all contain some truth.Someone thinks that the reason of the soil.Someone thinks that the cucumbers are not enough nutrients or water, and some believe that it depends on the variety.
the Science
From a scientific point of view, too, there is an explanation.It is proved that the cause of bitter cucumber is a substance that just builds up in the skin.It's called "kukurbitatsin."And the brighter the sun shines, the more accumulated kukurbitatsina and become the bitter cucumber.It is also a scientifically proven fact.But why bitter cucumbers in the greenhouse, because there is no sun?It turns out that improper care, too, is the reason for the bitterness of the vegetable and the greenhouse is not always met all the necessary conditions.
Proper care - tasty cucumbers
In terms of farming to get rich harvest of cucumbers in the greenhouse, they need to be watered properly, in time to fertilize, monitor the temperature, and the main thing - not to plant stress.
Not to fret why bitter cucumber in a greenhouse, follow these guidelines:
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Pour abundant and just warm water.At an early age rsteniya do it 2 times a week, and during the flowering period - every day.If the air is too dry, it is possible to spray on the wall and track.It is advisable to carry out watering when the sun is shining outside, but leave the vents closed.
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In a greenhouse earth depleted faster than on the street, so often need to feed the cucumbers.Once a week, use liquid fertilizer, potassium, calcium, nitrogen (not manure).
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temperature in the greenhouse should be no lower than 20 degrees during the day and 18 degrees at night (before fruiting), and in the future it should be raised to 28. Sudden changes in it - it's stress, this may taste bitter cucumber.It is better if the greenhouse is heated.
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Shaping the bush, you need to know how to pinch cucumbers.In the greenhouse, this process is especially important, as it allows to increase productivity and limit the branching of the plant.To do this, remove the side shoots, female flowers and tendrils.They only delay the development of the bush and take nutrients so necessary for vegetation.
breeders who are also concerned about the question of why the bitter cucumber in a greenhouse, brought salad varieties that contain a special gene that prevents the development of kukurbitatsinov.Well, if you still have not managed to avoid the bitterness is not worth much upset as such are suitable for pickling cucumbers.When heat treatment bitter taste disappears.
