CUCUMBER CONDITIONS. 267 



quently or always flows, or the use of a raised bed with 

 water flowing on the ridge, is the surest way to make the 

 plants satisfactory and prolific where the heat runs high. 

 And 3^et, as stated, there are considerable areas in differ- 

 ent parts of the State where conditions are so favorable 

 that field growth of cucumbers for the 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 marvelous to one who has tried to push the plant in 

 places too trying for it. It is also possible in frostless 

 regions where heat comes early in the spring, to find con- 

 ditions for an early crop which is disposed of before try- 

 ing summer conditions come on. Early spring conditions 

 in California are widely favorable to the plant did not 

 the frost factor intrude. Autumn growing is also practi- 

 cable where moisture is adequate, for then heat and 

 drouth 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 re- 

 tentive 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 condition 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 



