CROP PRODUCTION MADE EASY...(Cucumber)
**INTRODUCTION*
Cucumber is a long vegetable with a dark green skin and light green flesh that is usually eaten raw.
It is enjoyed by many and is one of the main constituents of fruit salad.
**LAND PREPARATION*
It thrives well in rich loamy or clayey soil. It does not require too much water for its growth. The land is cleared and ploughed if necessary. Mounds or ridges are made ready for the planting.
**PLANTING*
Improved seedlings are used for maximum output. These seeds are incorporated 2 per hole at a regular spacing of about 1ft - 2Ft on the mounds or ridges. This is best done around April/May.
**FERTILIZER APPLICATION*
This is best done after 2 - 3 weeks using N.P.K 15:15:15. Small holes are made at a distance of about 4 to 5 inches away from the young cucumber plant and the fertilizers are incorporated inside about match box full size. The spacing is to avoid causing harm to the young plant.
**WEEDING*
Weeding is done at regular intervals for effective growth and development of the plant.
**STAKING*
Staking is done for maximum yield. Cucumber performs better on stakes and for that, there is need to support them with stakes for maximum yield.
**APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES/INSECTICIDES*
this is required in order to prevent the activities of pest on the farm. This is done using knapsack sprayer and from time to time when necessary. This practice should be done in the evening to avoid killing farm-friendly insects that came to carry out pollination in the farm.
**HARVESTING*
If properly taken care of, the harvest is expected to begin from July/August. This best done while its still fresh and green unless you want to leave some for next year's seedling, thats when you will leave them to get completely ripe and yellow, then you harvest, remove the seeds, dry and store them in a cool dry place.
**STORAGE*
The harvested ones are gathered and consumed, stored for later use or sold for money at the market.
- _Chris...the young farmer_
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