Main characteristics

Plant growth involves many metabolic processes which rely on a plant receiving its essential
nutrients, water, and sunlight.

In traditional agriculture, soil anchors the plant and serves as a reservoir for the nutrients and
water needed by the plant. A hydroponic system eliminates the need for soil by providing a
nutrient rich aqueous solution directly to the roots, thus keeping the plant fed and hydrated

Cucumber is a rapidly growing crop that can work well in small-scale soilless production
systems.

The steps are simple and include:

1) Raising the seedlings from seeds.

2) Transplanting the seedlings.
3) Preparing the lid and the reservoir
4) Filling the reservoir with nutrients
5) Sowing seeds into individual grow pots known as Rockwool starter cubes with a growing
medium, and placing the seed deep enough so that it is prevented from drying out.

Garden-type seeded cucumbers can be grown in soilless systems if there are bees present to
carry out pollination. However, greenhouse cucumber varieties are seedless, so they do not
require pollination.

Cucumbers yields are expected at around 5 to 6 weeks from the first harvest after seed
sowing.

Hydroponic cucumber plants are a great way to grow cucumbers during

seasons not conducive to growing or in climates unfavorable to
cucumber planting. However, like outdoor gardens, greenhouse gardens
have their fair share of problems too.
Where it is applied?

Growing seasons and regions are in major flux right now as temperatures and precipitation
changes are quite dramatic. Moreover, there are many places such as deserts where the soil in
its natural form isn’t conducive for farming cucumbers. Thus, hydroponic cucumber is an
innovative way to grow cucumbers during seasons not conducive to growing or in climates
unfavourable to cucumber planting.
Advantages

1. An extended growing season

Cold climates with winter temperatures and short-day lengths prohibit plant growth. But with
a hydroponics system, cucumbers can be grown hydroponically year-round because the
grower controls the temperature, light, and nutrient-supply.

2. Improved growth and yield

Hydroponics systems typically result in faster-growing, higher-yielding plants. Since roots

are bathed in all the nutrients they need, cucumbers spend more time growing upward and
less energy is spent growing extensive root systems in search for food. Thus, optimal growing
conditions means less stress on cucumbers and a better harvest.

3. Higher plant density

Cucumbers grown in soil have rigid spacing guidelines that must be followed to allow each
plant equal access to the soil’s limited supply of water and nutrients. Because hydroponics
systems deliver a nutrient rich solution to cucumbers’ root zones, they can be grown closer
together without competing for space.

4. Plants can grow anywhere

Unlike traditional gardens that require outdoor space for plants, hydroponics systems are
easily incorporated into many homes, regardless of their size or location.

5. Less water consumption

Even though hydroponic systems primarily rely on water to grow cucumbers, they use 80 to
90% less water than cucumbers grown in the ground. This is because as water moves through
the soil a good portion of water evaporates and only a fraction of it reaches the roots.

In hydroponics, the water immediately reaches the roots, with little lost to evaporation. It is
also worth noting that the nutrient solution can also be reused multiple times before being
discarded, thus increasing water efficiency.

6. Low insect pest damage

Because hydroponics systems are indoors, insects find it challenging to infiltrate the system
and attack cucumbers. Thus, fewer pest problems means that less pesticides will be applied to
cucumbers.
Disadvantages:

1. Expensive compared to traditional agriculture

Compared to a traditional garden, a hydroponics system is more expensive to acquire and

build.

2. Vulnerable to power cuts

Hydroponics systems depend greatly on electricity to control lights, water pumps, and
aerators. Thus, a loss of power can be harmful to plants as the conditions needed for its
growth and survival will be at stake.

3. Requires constant monitoring and maintenance

Hydroponics requires a higher level of monitoring and micro-managing than growing plants
traditionally.

4. Susceptibility to fungal diseases

Due to conditions of high heat and humidity, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and
gummy stem blight can severely impact the cucumber plants’ ability to grow and produce
fruit.

5. Problems speed faster between plants

The soil protects the roots from extreme temperature change, along with slowing diseases and
from attacking. Without soil acting as a barrier, plants grown in hydroponics systems are
more vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies and disease which affect them quite quickly.