CUCUMBERS 125 



Frame Culture. In the first half of February, and 

 again a month later in the first half of March, 

 Cucumber seeds may be sown on a gentle hot-bed, 

 with a temperature of 60 to 65 Fahr., placing the 

 seeds either in rows in the soil covering the bed, or 

 in pots, or " pockets " (i.e. small holes made in the 

 surface). A gentle watering is given, air is excluded, 

 and mats are put on the lights at night for protection. 



About ten or twelve days after sowing, when the 

 seed leaves and first true leaves are well developed, 

 the young Cucumber plants will be ready for moving 

 into another bed with a similar temperature, allowing 

 about 3 in. between each. The plants are sprinkled 

 overhead, as before, with tepid water, no air is given 

 for a few days, and shading is given from the sun. 

 In a few days growth recommences, and the lights are 

 tilted a little more and more each day, so that the air 

 may harden the young plants and keep them sturdy. 

 Towards evening, of course, " air is taken off " that 

 is, the lights are closed, and mats are spread over 

 them in case of frost. 



While the pricked- out plants are growing on, another 

 hot-bed, 18 in. or 2 ft. thick, should be prepared for 

 those that are fit for moving about the second week 

 in March. From 6 to 8 in. of rich mould is spread 

 over the surface of the bed, and when the rank steam 

 has passed away, and the heat has subsided to about 

 70 or 65 Fahr., the bed will be ready for planting. 

 Each little Cucumber is then carefully lifted, with a 

 ball of soil adhering to the roots, and by means of a 

 trowel, or even by hand, it is planted in the new frame 

 up to the seed-leaves. Four Cucumbers are placed 

 under each light, and when planting is finished tepid 



