Whether in flower boxes or pots - cucumbers can generally also be grown on the balcony. Our guide will show you how.
If you want to grow cucumbers, you don't necessarily need a garden, because they also thrive wonderfully on the balcony. However, flower boxes are not really suitable for cultivation, as the cucumbers also need enough space below. Large tubs are the best choice, because you can grow several plants in them.
If you want to give balcony growing a try, however, choosing the right strain is important. In the meantime, there are even many small varieties (such as mini cucumbers) on the market, which are wonderful for growing on the balcony. The cucumbers are just about 10 centimeters tall, but have an excellent aroma. You can also expect a very bountiful harvest from most snack cucumbers.
To make sure that growing cucumbers on the balcony really works, here is a detailed description of how to proceed.
What is needed to grow on the balcony?
First we come to what you need for growing cucumbers on the balcony:
➤ Young plants or cucumber seeds:
You can either buy young plants or spread seeds yourself. The second variant is always recommended, because when you buy seeds you have a larger selection of varieties.
➤ Earth:
It's best to get special potting soil. Since this should be rich in nutrients, it is advisable to enrich it with some mature compost or liquid fertilizer.
➤ Planters:
Then you need buckets that are big enough. An extension is also possible in larger traffic lights.
Sowing cucumbers on the balcony
❃ Step 1:
If you want to grow cucumbers indoors, you can start sowing from the beginning/mid-April. After the ice saints, the plants can then move to the balcony. You can also plant cucumbers on the balcony right from mid-May. To do this, simply spread the seeds directly into the planters after the ice saints.
Hint:
If the pot is very large, you can sow two to three seeds. In smaller containers, on the other hand, you should only grow a single plant. The distance between the individual plants should also be at least 20 centimeters.
It is important that you cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil after sowing and note that temperatures of at least 20 degrees are required for germination. In addition, you should now place the tubs on the balcony so that they are not exposed to the blazing sun all day and not too much to the wind.
Hint:
You can also grow dill in the tub together with the cucumbers. On the one hand, this can increase the yield and, on the other hand, you have the right spice for the vegetables at hand.
❃ Step 2:
You should fertilize the cucumbers regularly while they are growing. About every two weeks is recommended, but then only in small doses. (Reading tip: fertilize cucumbers - how to increase your yield) In addition, you must now always water the cucumbers well.
Important:
Waterlogging should never occur during watering, otherwise there is a risk of rot!
❃ Step 3:
If the plants are a bit larger, you should provide them with climbing aids on which they can grow. Plant spirals, trellis or ropes are suitable as climbing aids.
Hint:
Alternatively, you can also position the tubs in front of the balcony railing and then let the tendrils grow along there. This is an absolute eye-catcher!