310 



VEGETABLE FORCING 



Fig. 107. Cucumber seed production house. 



culls. The young plants must be given the best care in 

 every respect in order to avoid injuries which are certain 

 to be disastrous to the crop. Very few greenhouse plants 

 are so sensitive to ill treatment as is the cucumber. 



The soil should contain a liberal proportion of sharp 

 sand, if it is available, and plenty of decaying vegetable 

 matter. It should be sterilized with steam, if necessary, 

 to prevent the ravages of damping-off fungi. 



Several methods are employed in starting the plants. 

 The seed may be sown in the beds where the crop is to 

 mature, but this is not economical in the use of green- 

 house space. 



Many successful growers sow in pots, which may vary 

 in size from 3 to 6 inches. Some of the most extensive 

 commercial growers contend that there is no advantage 

 in using pots that are larger than 3*/2 inches. It is likely 

 that 4-inch pots are used for this purpose more frequently 

 than any other size. Ordinarily, several seeds are sown 

 in each pot and the plants are thinned to one or two, 

 according to the preference of the grower and the size of 



