Health

What you need to know about growing cucumber

Published

6 months ago

June 2, 2024

If you’re growing cucumbers, you may notice that they can be tricky to grow well. I find that it is easier to grow these amazing plants when you understand their basic needs.

So, in this article, I’ll share some of the fundamental growing conditions for cucumber plants. You’ll learn tips for cucumber planting depth, spacing, watering, lighting, and more. Let’s get into it.

How deep to plant cucumber plants?
When transplanting cucumber plants into the garden, you can plant at the same depth the plant was in its original container. In other words, there is no need to bury the main stem like you would a tomato plant.

If planting from seed, plant cucumber seeds about 1/2″ deep for germination. The larger seed size means the seedlings can push through more soil to emerge. Avoid planting any deeper than 1″, as the seeds may struggle to sprout.

How much space do cucumbers need to grow?
Ideally, cucumbers should be grown vertically. This allows for closer plant spacing, and reduces disease from soil-borne pathogens.

If you are growing cucumbers up a trellis, you can space the plants 18-24″ apart, stem to stem. This much space gives the foliage room to breathe as the plants grow larger.

If growing without a trellis, cucumber plants will sprawl and can take up large sections of the garden. I don’t recommend it, but when growing without a support, space cucumbers with at least 24-36″ between plants.

Feeding cucumber plants
When it comes to nutrients, cucumbers can be hungry! They grow best in highly fertile soil. If you are growing in the ground, I recommend amending with compost in the early spring.

If the plants start showing, you may need to side-dress with a nitrogen rich fertiliser in mid-season. For container plants, more frequent fertilising is required, as the nutrients are used up throughout the season. Find a fertiliser with an NPK ratio roughly around.

How often to water cucumber plants?
Cucumber plants need consistent watering for optimal productivity. In other words, keep your garden soil evenly moist throughout the season.

However, the soil should drain well, as cucumbers don’t do well with overly soggy soil. Drip irrigation can be helpful in sandy soils or in hot, dry climates.

Consistent watering is especially important during the fruiting stage. Without enough water, some of the fruits may abort, leading to lower yields or shriveled cucumbers.

Cucumbers thrive in full-sun conditions.
Keep in mind that cucumbers can grow fairly tall, so it is best to plant them on the North side of the garden (if growing in the Northern hemisphere). This will prevent your cucumbers from shading out smaller crops that are planted nearby.

Cucumbers ready to transplant
Avoid transplanting cucumbers before the soil is warm, ideally around 70°F or warmer. Wait for the soil to warm up to around 70°F, and for overnight temperatures to stay above 65°F. Seeds may also fail to sprout in colder soil, so the same applies when planting from seed.

How tall do cucumber plants grow?
The height of a cucumber plant depends largely on the duration of your growing season. The longer a plant lives in a warm climate, the taller it will grow. For example, cucumbers that are grown in greenhouses are trained to grow vertically on a single main stem. Plants can easily surpass 12 feet in height. However, in the home garden, cucumbers typically grow 6-8 feet tall at maturity. If you want shorter plants, you can prune the main stem (central leader) once it reaches the desired height, thereby stopping any further vertical growth.

Another growing method is known as the “umbrella” training technique. The main stem is grown to a certain height, and is then trained to turn around and grow downwards as it continues to grow.

Pruning cucumber plants
Pruning techniques can be used to improve yields, airflow, and to grow larger cucumbers. In general, most cucumbers benefit from regular pruning.

I recommend removing most or all of the sucker shoots that form on your cucumber vines. These are the side-shoots that form at nodes on the main stem. If you have grown tomatoes, you’ll be familiar with suckers.

Cucumber growing on vine
Sucker shoots will grow off of the main stem, taking energy from it to grow more leaves, flowers and fruits. Suckers will also expand the plant laterally, making for a much larger, wider plant.

By removing suckers, you’ll keep the energy of each plant focused on the main stem and its fruits. This leads to larger fruits and tall, slender plants that are not crowding one another.

Health

UNICEF to vaccinate 3.8 million children in Northern Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The United Nations Children’s Fund has disclosed that no fewer than 3.8 million children would be vaccinated against measles across four Northern states.

The UNICEF Health Officer in Bauchi state, Patrick Ako, disclosed this in a news conference on Friday, noting that the vaccination exercise would commence on Saturday and run for seven days.

He highlighted that the four Northern states where the integrated measles campaign would take place include Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau.

“For the measles campaign, we have a target of 3.8 million children from nine months to 59 months, which we are targeting across the four states.

“We have received in all the states a total of over 4 million doses of measles vaccines which have been supplied across the four states,” Ako stated.

The Health Officer explained that UNICEF is also going to launch an oral vaccination campaign against polio across five Northern states.

He said, “For the oral polio vaccination, we have a target of 6.8 million children that we are going to reach from zero to 59 months, which is less than five years across five states of Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe,e, and Adamawa.

“The total number of vaccines that have already gotten to them is 7.4 million doses across these five states.

“We are looking at it that no child should be left behind; all children of an eligible age group should be reached and be vaccinated.”

Also speaking, a Social Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, George Eki, said it became imperative for UNICEF to support the Nigerian government in protecting children against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Health

5 questions to ask your doctor before starting birth control

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

It’s normal to have questions about what birth control method is right for you.

Starting birth control is a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what questions to ask your doctor.

With so many options available, from pills and patches to implants and IUDs, it’s understandable if you’re feeling confused or anxious.

Finding the right method isn’t just about preventing pregnancy; it’s also about making sure you feel comfortable and healthy with your choice. Your doctor is there to guide you, but it’s important to come prepared with questions that address your concerns, lifestyle, and future plans.

1. What types of birth control are available?
When it comes to birth control, one size does not fit all. Ask your doctor about the different methods available, such as the pill, IUD (intrauterine device), patch, ring, implant, or shot.

Your doctor can explain how each method works, how effective they are, and what the pros and cons are. For example, if you prefer something long-term, an IUD might be a better option. But if you like having more control, the pill could work well.

2. What are the possible side effects?
Every type of birth control has possible side effects. Some people may experience nausea, headaches, weight changes, or mood swings, while others have no side effects at all. It’s important to ask your doctor about what you might expect. If you’re sensitive to hormones, your doctor can suggest non-hormonal options, like the copper IUD. Being aware of side effects in advance can help you know what to look out for and decide what you’re comfortable with.

3. How will birth control affect my period?
Birth control can change your menstrual cycle in different ways. Some methods may make your periods lighter or stop them completely, while others may cause irregular bleeding at first.

If having regular periods is important to you, make sure to mention this to your doctor. They can help you choose a method that aligns with your preferences. If your periods are painful or heavy, certain types of birth control may even help reduce those symptoms.

4. Will birth control interact with my current medications or health conditions?
If you have existing health issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of blood clots, some birth control options may not be safe for you. Also, if you’re taking medication for any condition, ask whether it might affect how well your birth control works. Your doctor can guide you to options that won’t interfere with your health or current treatments. Safety should always come first when choosing birth control.

5. What happens if I want to get pregnant in the future?
You’ll need to ask how quickly you can become fertile again after stopping birth control. Some methods, like the pill or the patch, allow for a quick return to fertility, while others, like the shot, may take longer.

If you’re thinking about starting a family in the future, talk to your doctor about which birth control options will work best for your timeline. Planning ahead can make transitioning easier when the time comes.

Health

Cholera claims 10 lives in Enugu

Published

4 weeks ago

October 22, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Enugu State Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 10 people following a cholera outbreak in the state.

In a letter addressed to the Guild of Medical Directors on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, Dr Egwuonwu Samuel, Director of Medical Services, announced the outbreak and the swift actions being taken to prevent further spread.

The ministry reported several alarming cases of cholera, resulting in 10 fatalities so far. Efforts are already underway by the State Ministry of Health and its partners to contain the outbreak.

“Health facilities and personnel are advised to stay alert for symptoms like acute diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting,” said Dr. Egwuonwu.

“We are calling for the immediate implementation of heightened Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all medical facilities to stop the spread.”

He urged medical practitioners to take extra precautions and report suspected cases swiftly.

“This outbreak poses a significant public health threat, as cholera is a highly contagious disease typically spread through contaminated water or food. The ministry’s swift action is critical to containing the outbreak and protecting public health.”

Dr. Egwuonwu also appealed to the public to practice strict hygiene measures, including boiling water before drinking, frequent hand washing, and avoiding poorly handled food.

He noted that the Enugu State government would provide further guidelines and updates as the situation develops, while efforts continue in collaboration with local and international health partners to mitigate the outbreak.

(NAN)