314 



VEGETABLE FORCING 



to the young plants, and diseases may be guarded against 

 to a considerable extent by spraying with bordeaux mix- 

 ture. Insect pests should be controlled by the employ- 

 ment of proper measures. See page 337. 



Soil. Greenhouse cucumbers are grown in a great 

 diversity of soil types. Most excellent results have been 

 obtained in heavy soils, especially if they are well filled 

 with organic matter. It is conceded, however, that the 

 light, sandy types are the best for the growing of this 

 vegetable, whether in the open or under glass. Appar- 

 ently the most extensive root development occurs in 

 sandy soils ; and for various other reasons, which were dis- 

 cussed in Chapters III, V and VI, it is desirable to use 

 the lighter soils, if they are available. Nevertheless, any 

 soil which will produce a good crop of either leaf or head 

 lettuce with proper management will yield a satisfactory 

 crop of cucumbers. 



Fertilizing. The cucumber requires liberal feeding, in 

 order to obtain heavy crops of first-class fruits. Satis- 

 factory yields or profits are never realized from soils that 

 are not well supplied with available plant food. A de- 

 ficiency in this particular is certain to result in a large 

 percentage of small, irregular fruits. Rapid growth from 

 the date of sowing until the crop is harvested is essential 

 to success. 



All growers of greenhouse cucumbers depend mainly 

 upon various kinds of animal manures as a source of 

 plant food. Horse manure, fresh or partly decayed, is 

 most generally employed. Cattle manure from city 

 stockyards is used by some of the most prominent 

 growers. It is fine in texture and easily applied. Pul- 

 verized sheep manure and poultry droppings are also 

 excellent for this crop. 



Organic fertilizers, such as dried blood, tankage and 

 bone meal, are valued by growers who find it necessary 

 to supplement insufficient applications of stable manures. 



