CUCUMBERS 145 



tion of the moisture and the humus holds it in 

 readiness for use. The soil must also be warm; 

 a cold soil is a fatal shock to the vitality of cu- 

 cumbers. Moreover, there must be plenty of food 

 at hand entirely ready for use. Nothing must 

 be allowed to hinder growth. With early warm 

 soil properly fitted and supplied with plenty of 

 the necessary food, a quick start may be expected 

 and growth should be immediate and steady and 

 healthy. 



Much may be accomplished at the outset by the 

 method of starting the young cucumber plants. 

 The real growing season may be lengthened 

 merely by sprouting the seeds or by starting the 

 plants in a warm place. Cucumbers transplant 

 with difficulty. Like corn and beans, they have 

 but few fibrous roots, and their single sprout-root 

 is brittle and easily broken. Even so, if the 

 proper material is used in seeding, these delicate 

 plants may be transplanted readily and safely. 

 In our short northern season everything possible 

 must be done to secure an early start, especially 

 with varieties that must ripen. The old-fashioned 

 warm place under the kitchen stove will do very 

 well for sprouting the seeds on inverted sods; 

 but the hotbed is better. There considerable 

 growth may be made before transplanting. 

 Cucumbers may be started in the warmth of the 

 hotbed nearly a month before the outdoor garden 

 is warm enough. Use shallow breakable sods or 



