THE ADVENTURE OF THE SWISS CUCUMBER CONTINUES

In general the cucumber plant requires a loose, fertile soil enriched with manure; temperatures between 18° and 22°C; a sunny and very warm exposure with good watering in summer.

However the plants should not be subjected to soggy and compacted soils, too low temperatures (below 10° - 12°C) and cold drafts.

Concerning the planting there are 2 existing methods each with their advantage:

• Planting in pots between 20th-25th April then transplanted outdoors around 10th-15th May. Harvesting will take place from July to mid September. This method limits the damage caused by slugs and a earlier harvesting period.
• Direct planting as from 15th May (minimum soil temperature 12°C) for harvesting early July to mid-September. This lower cost method allows a better root development, the plants are therefore tougher.

Whatever planting method chosen, it is necessary to properly prepare the soil 3 to 4 weeking before planting (enrich and loosen the soil with manure).

Concerning the planting distance between and in the rows, there are 3 existing procedures depending on the harvesting chosen:

• For hand-picking in baskets: the distance between the rows is 300cm and 20cm in the rows
• For manual picking by machine in a lying position: the distance between the rows is 150cm and 33cm in the rows
• For manual picking on trellises in a sitting position: the distance between the rows is 300cm and 30cm in the rows

Two different types of culture can be put in place: on a flat surface or in hills. In order to produce larger yields, the Swiss farmers use black plastic mulch and row covers to speed warming of the soil, prevent water evaporation and to protect the plants from weeds.

While waiting for the harvesting to take place and to ensure healthy cucumbers, the ideal growing conditions are a soil temperature of 22°C, air temperature from 22° to 27°C, regular watering from the ground to avoid the most common diseases.

Come and join us again on our site www.hugoreitzel.com as from the end of August for the continuation of the adventure with the Swiss cucumber: harvesting ...

Hugo Reitzel - Créateur de saveurs

Contact: message@hugoreitzel.com