314 VEGETABLE FORCING 
to the young plants, and diseases may be guarded against 
to a considerable extent by spraying with bordeaux mix- 
ture. Insect pests should be controlled by the employ- 
ment of proper measures. See page 337. 
Soil— Greenhouse cucumbers are grown in a great 
diversity of soil types. Most excellent results have been 
obtained in heavy soils, especially if they are well filled 
with organic matter. It is conceded, however, that the 
light, sandy types are the best for the growing of this 
vegetable, whether in the open or under glass. Appar- 
ently the most extensive root development occurs in 
sandy soils ; and for various other reasons, which were dis- 
cussed in Chapters III, V and VI, it is desirable to use 
the lighter soils, if they are available. Nevertheless, any 
soil which will produce a good crop of either leaf or head 
lettuce with proper management will yield a satisfactory 
crop of cucumbers. 
Fertilizing —The cucumber requires liberal feeding, in 
order to obtain heavy crops of first-class fruits. Satis- 
factory yields or profits are never realized from soils that 
are not well supplied with available plant food. A de- 
ficiency in this particular is certain to result in a large 
percentage of small, irregular fruits. Rapid growth from 
the date of sowing until the crop is harvested is essential 
to success. 
All growers of greenhouse cucumbers dépend mainly 
upon various kinds of animal manures as a source of 
plant food. Horse manure, fresh or partly decayed, is 
most generally employed. Cattle manure from city 
stockyards is used by some of the most prominent 
growers. It is fine in texture and easily applied. Pul- 
verized sheep manure and poultry droppings are also 
excellent for this crop. 
Organic fertilizers, such as dried blood, tankage and 
bone meal, are valued by growers who find it necessary 
to supplement insufficient applications of stable manures. 
