Not all buckets are created equal. To avoid your plants feeling cramped, choose a bucket of at least 20 liters . The ideal? A food or gardening bucket , without harmful chemicals. Drill several holes in the bottom (about 5 to 6 small holes) to ensure good drainage . Little tip: a light color will reflect the sun better and keep the roots cool during the summer .
Prepare the perfect soil for your cucumbers
Cucumbers are like gourmets: they love rich, light, and well-drained soil . Mix a quality all-purpose potting mix with homemade compost or well-rotted manure , and a little perlite or horticultural sand to ensure good root aeration. A pH between 6 and 7 will be ideal. For those who are more forward-thinking, add a slow-release organic fertilizer : your plants will have enough to eat all summer long.
Drainage: life insurance for your roots
Imagine your feet being permanently wet… Not very pleasant, is it? Your cucumbers don’t like excess water either. To avoid this, place some gravel or clay balls at the bottom of your buckets and place them slightly raised, on wedges or bricks . This way, the water drains easily, like in a well-designed pot .
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