66 POPULAR VEGETABLES 



ridge or open-air Cucumber is grown much less 

 than formerly, but, if used as pickle or vegetable, it 

 is well worth more attention. Even this form of 

 Cucumber is an improvement upon what it was 

 years ago ; the fruits are now more shapely, and 

 of better colour. 



With regard to culture much depends upon when 

 the fruits are desired and the length of the supply. 

 If grown in a pit or house with bottom heat from 

 hot-water pipes, then the-ir cultivation is easier. 



Early Crops. To get an early crop under glass 

 seed should be sown in small pots early in the year ; 

 many good growers sow in December or even ear- 

 lier for the first crop, but unless a strong plant is 

 secured there is no gain, but rather loss, as by sowing 

 too early a weak plant results. It is better to sow 

 so that when the seedlings have made three or four 

 leaves they can be planted out in a warm bed. The 

 warmth will soon promote root formation up the 

 stem, and with frequent top dressings the growth will 

 be strengthened. At the time of sowing the bed or 

 soil should be ready, as the soil must be warm. If 

 any delay should occur in making up the bed or 

 planting the seedlings, shift the plants into larger 

 pots, using a good light but rich compost, previously 

 warmed through. Then plunge the plants in a warm 

 bed to induce new root action. When placing the 

 soil in the beds use a good turfy, light loam, enriched 

 with cow manure or thoroughly decayed horse manure, 

 and, if possible, a small quantity of wood ashes. 



