Trailing
For trailing cucumber and melon, spread dried twigs on the ground.
Pruning
To improve yield, remove lateral branches until the runner reaches the top of the trellis. Leave 4-6 laterals and cut the tip of the main runner to induce early cropping. Removal of lateral branches in the first 10 nodes has a positive effect on total yield.
Manuring
Apply FYM @ 20-25 t/ha as basal dose along with half dose of N (35 kg) and full dose of P2O5 (25 kg) and K2O (25 kg/ha). The remaining dose of N (35 kg) can be applied in two equal split doses at the time of vining and at the time of full blooming. A fertilizer dose of 70:25:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O /ha in several splits is recommended in Onattukara region. The fertilizer dose per pit would be 28:10:10 g N:P2O5:K2O.
Irrigation
During the initial stages of growth, irrigate at 3-4 days interval, and alternate days during flowering/fruiting. Furrow irrigation is the ideal method of irrigating. But in water limited environment, trickle or drip irrigation can be resorted to.
Pollination
Cucumber and oriental pickling melon are cross pollinated crops; insects, especially bees being the main pollinators. Pollination can be a problem during the wet season since bees are less active during overcast conditions. Introduction of beehives ensures good pollination and avoid the need for hand pollination.
Hormone application
Spraying vines with flowering hormones after they have six to eight true leaves will increase the number of female flowers and can double the number of fruits. For example, one application of gibberellic acid at 25-100 ppm increases female flowers by 50 % and can work for up to 80 days. Application of ethrel (an ethylene releasing compound) has been found to increase femaleness in Cucumber and oriental pickling.
Weed control
Conduct weeding and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application. Earthing up is done during rainy season. Hand or hoe weeding can be performed as needed. Mulching is commonly used for cucumber and oriental pickling melon crops grown on raised beds. Use organic or plastic mulch depending on availability. Mulch can be laid down before or after transplanting and after sowing.