140 



UTILIZING THE GREENHOUSE IN SUMMER 



MUSKMELONS. 



In the season of 1898 a space 7x50 feet was used for forcing 

 summer muskmelons. The plants were started in pots and 

 handled similarly to cucumbers in every respect, training and 

 all. The plants were transplanted into the beds early in May 

 and began ripening fruit the fore part of August. This plot 

 yielded 330 fruit. The varieties grown were Rose Gem, 



Fig. 58. — A house of Early Summer Muskmelons. 



Netted Gem, and true Jenny Lind. They completely covered 

 the trellis for seven feet in height and were severely nipped 

 back. Fig. 59 is a photograph of the mature fruit hanging on 

 the vines, and Fig. 58 a view of the trellises in the house. 



To make a financial success with muskmelons it is neces- 

 sary to have the crop mature before the out-of-door crop comes 

 on. The garden melons begin to ripen on the average about 

 the first of September, some seasons somewhat earlier and 



