68 POPULAR VEGETABLES 



the first fruits are showing, not later, as with increased 

 sunlight and greater strength the flowers set freely, 

 indeed too much so. Many plants are ruined through 

 overcropping. The Cucumber plant will in fine 

 weather require much root moisture, and the water 

 must always be of the same temperature as the house. 

 Give food freely also. 



With regard to overhead syringing, be cautious 

 at first, as then the plant is weak. A fine spraying 

 twice a day will then suffice, but with increased 

 strength more water may be given in every way. 

 Keep the house quite moist, especially the bed near 

 the hot-water pipes. To sum up, heat and moisture 

 are essential in Cucumber culture. 



Temperature and Shade. Temperature plays an 

 important part, also ventilation and shade, but the 

 most successful growers rarely ventilate their Cucumber 

 houses, but shade and keep them as moist as possible, 

 when the fruiting stage is quickly reached. Cucumbers 

 delight in a high temperature and moisture, and under 

 these conditions insect pests are less troublesome and 

 new growths abundant when the roots are constantly 

 fed and the plant is not overcropped at one time. The 

 day temperature may range from 65 to 80 accord- 

 ing to the season ; thus, in January 65 to 70 would 

 suffice with less moisture, while in May the maximum 

 temperature would be more suitable, while the night 

 temperature may range from 65 to 70 or 75 in 

 warmer weather. The fires must not, however, be 

 driven hard as dry hot pipes encourage green fly and 



