CONDITIONS FOR CUCUMBERS 219 



market and for the pickle factories, is feasible without irrigation. 

 There are moist lowlands, rich and warm, where the foliage does 

 not show burnt edges and where the free growth of vine is marvel- 

 ous to one who has tried to push the plant in places too trying for it. 

 It is also possible in frostless regions where heat conies early in the 

 spring, to find conditions for an early crop which is disposed of 

 before trying summer conditions come on. Early spring condi- 

 tions in California are widely favorable to the plant did not the frost 

 factor intrude. Autumn growing is also practicable where moisture 

 is adequate, for then heat and drought are modified. Cucumbers 

 from the open ground at Thanksgiving or later are common in 

 some regions. 



Soil Cucumbers require a rich soil, and it must be retentive 

 of moisture, for the reasons stated, unless water is to be constantly 

 supplied. A rather light soil which warms up early is preferable, 

 but heavy soil can be readily adapted to cucumbers on a small scale 

 by free use of well-rotted manure thoroughly mixed. A free loam, 

 not disposed to bake, is the best soil. 



Preparation of Soil. Land from which a well-cultivated root 

 crop has been removed for winter use can be easily put into condi- 

 tion for cucumbers by good deep spring plowing and harrowing, 

 to retain moisture. New land should receive such fall and winter 

 treatment as has been prescribed for bean planting, so as to secure 

 in spring as good tilth and moisture retention as possible. 



Planting and Cultivation. Cucumbers are usually grown in 

 hills, from four to six feet apart each way. Planting should not 

 be done until the soil becomes warm and frost injury is over ; then 

 planting five or six seeds in a hill, covering as lightly as can be 

 trusted to retain moisture until the plants take hold. As soon as 

 the plants appear, cultivation must begin, using the horse between 

 the rows and the hoe around the plants. The surface must be kept 

 mellow and free from weeds. If the plants all grow select the best 

 two or three and pull out the others. Continue cultivation as long 

 as it is possible to stir the soil without injuring the vines. 



Gathering. Frequent gathering of the cucumbers as they 

 reach satisfactory size is essential to the long bearing of the vines. 

 None should be allowed to ripen except on vines planted for that 

 purpose, and all imperfect specimens should be taken off as soon 

 as seen. 



