OCTOBER: FOURTH WEEK 281 



Ventilation and Watering 



In growing vegetables under glass, there are a number of 

 things to be attended to that one ordinarily pays no atten- 

 tion to out-of-doors. One of the most important of these is 

 fresh air. This is essential not only for keeping the plants 

 in vigorous growth but it is practically a preventive for 

 troubles with insects and disease. While direct draughts, 

 especially in cold weather, should be avoided, ventilation 

 should be given every day and for as long a time as possible 

 without getting the temperature of the house too low. 



While plenty of moisture is essential, the beginner is more 

 likely to do damage by giving too much of it. The soil 

 should be thoroughly wet just before or just after setting 

 out the plants. After that water should be given only as the 

 condition of the soil seems to indicate that water is needed. 

 Water as seldom as possible, but water thoroughly, and if 

 possible only on bright days so that the foliage and the 

 surface of the soil will be dried off by evening. While 

 watering once in several days will be sufficient for a crop 

 grown at a low temperature in midwinter, cucumbers and 

 tomatoes which usually are making their greatest develop- 

 ment in early spring when the sun is strong enough to run 

 the house up to 80 or 90 degrees on bright days, often require 

 a good watering every day. Frequent cultivation, whether 

 any weeds appear or not, is just as essential indoors as 

 out. 



Don't Let the Bugs Get a Start 



What is perhaps the most important point of all I men- 

 tion last for the sake of emphasis that is never let a bug 

 appear, or if he does appear, never let him live 24 hours. 

 But prevention is very much easier and quicker than any 

 remedy. Use good strong tobacco dust freely on the soil 

 and about the plant and if necessary on the foliage. If this is 

 attended to, further trouble will seldom be experienced. 

 The green plant lice or aphids and the white fly are the 

 things most likely to cause trouble. If these do appear, 



