For example, NPK ratios of 5-8-10 and 3-3-3 would be suitable for growing cucumbers because the nitrogen content does not exceed the other two nutrients.Īvoid fertilizers with higher nitrogen levels because they will increase the production of foliage and vines but could prevent the plant from producing blossoms or cucumbers.

The product’s NPK analysis stands for the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) the product contains by weight.Ĭucumbers have similar growing needs to most other garden vegetables, and they prefer a fertilizer with less nitrogen than phosphorus or potassium (often called potash by gardeners). The confusion over what the NPK numbers listed on fertilizers mean can be easily solved by learning what the numbers stand for. Gardeners can stir it into the water in a watering can or fill a garden hose dispenser and spray a large area of plants. Water– soluble: This type of fertilizer comes in a fine granule or powdered form and is designed to dissolve quickly in water.Spikes are arguably the best fertilizer for cucumbers in containers because they provide continuous nutrients in limited amounts of soil. Spikes: Another time-release fertilizer, spikes contain dry nutrients that have been pressed into hard cylinders growers push beneath the soil’s surface, where they will gradually dissolve and release nutrients.Liquid: Available in concentrated form for mixing with water or as ready-to-spray foliar plant food, liquid fertilizers are rapidly absorbed by the plant, but they also wash out of the soil rather quickly, so more frequent feedings (every week or so) may be needed.The granules are mixed within the top inch or two of soil, where they slowly dissolve. Granular: This type of fertilizer resembles tiny pellets and gradually releases nutrients to keep plants fed for several weeks.Fertilizers that work well for cucumbers are available in one of four types, some of which are better suited to specific growing conditions than others. Types of Fertilizer for Cucumbersįew fertilizer products, including those considered to be the best fertilizer for cucumber plants, are specifically labeled as being “cucumber fertilizers.” Instead, most are labeled as all-purpose vegetable fertilizers (or tomato fertilizers). However, cucumbers do not grow well in most indoor growing conditions since they need long sunny days to produce fruit.Įven the best cucumber fertilizer is not a replacement for a bright, sunny location and healthy soil, but adding a good fertilizer can be a factor in growing strong plants that produce abundant tasty cucumbers. While some cucumber plants send out long vines that can be trained on tall trellises, others are compact and can be grown in patio containers. Gardeners can choose from nearly 100 varieties of cucumbers and can select plants based on taste, growth habit, and productivity.

Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for CucumbersĬucumbers are considered among the easiest food-producing plants to grow. ALSO CONSIDER: Element Nutrients Flower Fuel The Best Bloom Booster.MOST COMPLETE: Espoma GT4 4-Pound Garden-Tone 3-4-4 Plant Food.BEST STARTER FOOD: Down to Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer.BEST FOR CONTAINERS: Jobe’s 06028 Fertilizer Spikes Vegetable and Tomato.BEST WATER-SOLUBLE: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Food.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Jobe’s 09026NA Plant Food Vegetables & Tomato.BEST OVERALL: Miracle-Gro 2000422 Plant Food.Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best plant food for cucumbers, and find out why the following products are among the best fertilizer for cucumbers.

When looking for a fertilizer for cucumbers, knowing a few cucumber-growing basics is helpful.Īlthough cucumbers are actually a fruit, they’re grown as a vegetable, and they benefit from the same type of fertilizer used to feed tomatoes, peppers, and other garden vegetables. While some gardeners have honed their soil over the years to provide optimal conditions for growing cucumbers and other produce, most plants will still benefit from added nutrients. Cucumbers, members of the cucurbit family, grow quickly and receive ample nutrition in warm sunny conditions when the days are long. It’s a favorite summer pastime for many-grab a salt shaker, pick a ripe cucumber, and eat it right there in the backyard.

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