VEGETABLE FORCING 57 



comparatively high temperature, excessive humidity and artificial condi- 

 tions in general encourage the development of tender plants which are sub- 

 ject to attack by various insects and diseases. Vegetable forcing is perhaps 

 the most exacting of all lines of intensive gardening. To be successful in 

 this line of work when it is followed as a business, an individual must be able 

 to apply himself and must have a knowledge of the needs of the crops to be 

 grown. If he is in love with this particular line of work, his chances of 

 success are much greater than when he forces himself into it because he 

 thinks there is money in the business. This need not discourage the man 

 who wishes to have a small greenhouse and a few sash to assist him in 

 getting more money from his outside crops. Many successful greenhouse 

 men have started in this very way. 



A GREENHOUSE SUITABLE FOR FORCING PLANTS. 



One of the most important things to keep in mind when starting in the 

 forcing business even in a small way, is to try to supply as nearly as possible 

 the needs of the crop to be grown as to temperature, ventilation, plant-food 

 and water. If these demands are met there will be much less trouble from 

 diseases than when they are not properly looked after. 



The following is a list of cool plants which require a night temperature 

 of from 45 to 55 F., and a day temperature of from 65 to 70 F. on clear 

 days : 



Lettuce Peas Onions 



Radishes Beets Celery 



Rhubarb Asparagus Parsley 



Cauliflower Carrots 



The warm plants demanding a night temperature of 55 F. or above 

 and a day temperature of 75 F. or more on bright days are tomatoes, egg- 

 plants, peppers, cucumbers, muskmelons and beans. 



Too much importance cannot be placed on ventilation. In cold- 



