322 VEGETABLE FORCING 
ture with sunshine should be from 80 to 85 degrees, or 
15 degrees higher than the night temperature. 
The temperature of the soil is a subject of interest 
among greenhouse growers of cucumbers. This topic 
was alluded to on page 302, in the discussion of ground 
beds vs. raised benches. It will be recalled that cu- 
cumbers are sometimes forced on raised benches. In 
New England, hot horse manure is sometimes placed in 
trenches in the greenhouse previous to setting potted 
plants, where it has much the same effect as when used in 
hotbeds. 
The higher soil temperature thus secured is regarded 
as a decided advantage by some growers, especially for 
the winter crop, and the additional fertility must also 
have an influence on the growth of the plants. The in- 
creased expense, however, involved in the employment of 
this method should be carefully considered before one 
decides to follow it. 
Moore of the Wisconsin Experiment Station conducted 
experiments for three seasons to determine the influence 
of bottom heat. Greenhouse benches, with various de- 
grees of bottom heat, were employed. The results of 
these studies are summarized as follows in the 24th 
Annual Report of the Wisconsin station: 
“1. That a soil temperature of approximately 74 degrecs gives 
greater fruitfulness during the same length of time than tempera- 
tures ranging either much higher or much lower. 
“2. That earliness of production is increased very little, if any, 
by the increase in soil temperature. 
“3. That flower production is influenced only slightly, if any, 
by various degrees of soil temperature. Sunshine, atmospheric 
temperature, and individuality of plants are the important factors 
in this respect. 
“4, That higher soil temperature shprtens the fruiting period 
of the plants. 
“5. That the advantages gained by higher soil temperature would 
not warrant the additional cost entailed in increasing it above that 
