154 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



2. Selecting location. — W : 151, 153. The cucumber is not only 

 sensitive to frost but extreme heat with a lack of abundant mois- 

 ture is also unfavorable to its best development. It is grown 

 very largely in many parts of the South for shipment to northern 

 markets, and immense quantities are produced in certain sections 

 of the North for pickling purposes. In addition to supplying 

 these demands, it is grown locally for perhaps every market in 

 the United States. 



The early crop makes most rapid advancement in light, sandy 

 soils, while late cucumbers bear longer and yield better in the fairly 

 heavy soils. Any deficiency in plant food or soil moisture is 

 certain to affect the growth of the plants as well as their ability 

 to produce a good crop. It is desirable, therefore, to select a 

 relatively fertile soil, though the proper treatment of soils of 

 average fertility should result in a satisfactory crop of cucumbers 

 if all other cultural requirements are met. 



1. What are the temperature and climatic requirements of the 



cucumber? W-VG:331. L:236. 



2. What kind of soil is best for early cucumbers? For late? 



W-VG : 332. C : 233. 



3. Describe the soil and location on your farm which you consider 



suitable for cucumbers. 



3. Choosing varieties. — Most varieties of cucumbers grown in 

 American gardens have originated from an old and well-known 

 variety, the White Spine. This variety is sold by all seedsmen, as 

 well as numerous varieties originated from it, such as the Chicago 

 Pickling, Boston Pickling, and Fordhook Pickling. 



1. What is the most important variety grown in the United States ? 

 W-VG : 331. Seed catalogues. 



