66 Market Gardenmg, 



crop of lettuce or other vegetables has just been re- 

 moved. In this case the crop will often do better 

 than when sown in a freshly made bed, as in the latter 

 the ammonia, which nevv^ heating material always throws 

 out, would have a tendency to drive the crop too much 

 to tops ; which is not what is wanted with root crops. 



The continuous care of hot-beds after the ciop has 

 been started forms one of the most important branches 

 of work in the market garden. The beds require to 

 be covered and uncovered every day, and constant 

 attendance and vigilance are necessary to maintain the 

 proper temperature. The amount of heat to be .ainied 

 at, as we have already said, depends upon the crop. 



Lettuce beds, during the winter months, should be 

 be kept at a temperature ranging at from 50° to 70°. 

 For radishes it may range from 40° to 60°; while for 

 cucumbers and tomatoes it must range decidedly higher, 

 say from 70° to 90°, or even 100°. 



In the spring of the year, it is quite a serious task 

 for a man to take charge of say 1,000 sashes, with a half 

 a dozen different crops under them. He must of 

 course have a thorough understanding of their require- 

 ments in respect to heat, moisture, and a variety of 

 other conditions. He must be a person of consider- 

 able experience or he cannot be qualihed to undertake 

 the entire management of crops so cultivated. It will 

 be found that much depends on their receiving the 

 right care, and always just at the right time. 



If the first crop is started in November or Decem- 

 ber, and the beds are properly handled, three and 

 sometimes even four crops may be taken from the 



