,04 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



Harcl\vut)cl ashes are also excellent for Peach trees. Potash is desirable 

 for the health of the trees, aside from being good for the fruit. 



The Peach tree, as I have stated, does not want strong heat when fust 

 starting. While the temperatures that I shall mention may seem low, still I 

 have used this method for many years with good success. 1 am referring here 

 to early forcing, or to a house started about the middle of December. For 

 the first week or ten days keep a temperature of 40° by night and 50° to 55° by 

 day, then 45° by night, with a corresponding increase by day. As the buds 

 begin to swell, increase to 50° by night and 60 to 65 by day, or 70 with sun 

 heat. Always admit a crack of air when the thermometer registers 5 

 above the night temperature. The trees will be in full bloom about the end 

 of January or the first of February, and if brought along in the low tempera- 

 tures above recommended, the blossoms will be strong, with good pollen — 

 conditions very desirable for securing a good set. Gradually increase the tem- 

 perature from now on, until a night temperature of 60 is reached, with 70 

 to 75° by day. Maintain a fairly dry, bracing air while the trees are in bloom, 

 for it is necessary to have the pollen dry around mid-day. The early peach- 

 house must be hand-fertilized, for at this early period of the year there are no 

 bees around to perform the work. The blossoms should be gone over about 

 mid-day, either with a camel's hair brush, or, better still, with a rabbit's tail 

 tied to a stick, which will distribute the pollen admirably. 



After the fruit is set, spray every clear day, morning and afternoon. From 

 now on the trees and fruit will make rapid headway and can stand more heat if 

 it is brought along slowly at first. Here we gain on the time apparently lost 

 earlier. 



Airing is an important factor. Both the Peach and the Nectarine want 

 plenty of fresh air. It should not, however, be admitted in a haphazard way. 

 When the thermometer rises about 5° above the night temperature a crack 

 of air may be admitted to good advantage, and gradually increase as the tem- 

 perature goes up steadily. Do not admit the air to the extent of lowering the 

 temperature or causing a sudden drop, but let the temperature rise gradually 

 and also decrease it in the same way. Try to avoid erratic changes. Care- 

 lessness along these lines will undo good work, especially through the Winter 

 and the early Spring months. 



Careful watering, also, is needed now. While this crop should never suffer 

 for want of moisture at the roots, yet too nuich water is as bad as a shortage. 

 The best way is to give a thorough soaking and then no more until it is neces- 

 sary. Arrange the watering period, if possible, so that the tree will not require 

 water while the fruit is ripening. This may seem a small matter, but it is an 

 important one. For if a quantity of water is dashed around the roots just as 

 the fruit is ripening, its flavor will not be improved; nor will it be benefited, on 

 the other hand, if the tree is allowed to get too dry. Try to strike the happy 

 medium, and this can be done with a little forethought. 



The above directions for the early house apply practically also to the later 

 houses; but these do not require the same close attention as to airing, for it 

 is not necessary to use fire heat after tiie llrst week in Alav. After the lire heat 



