158 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



seed. Whatever the plan followed, there should be no uncer- 

 tainty about using the required amount of manure. 



Commercial fertilizers may also be used to advantage. If the 

 soil is naturally very fertile, or if stable manure has been used with 

 great freedom, an excellent crop of cucumbers may be grown with- 

 out supplementing with commercial fertilizers. It is rarely, how- 

 ever, that the use 'of fertilizers will not increase the profits. 



When a very early crop is desired, the use of nitrate of soda 

 may be a distinct advantage. It should be applied at the rate of 

 about a tablespoonful mixed very thoroughly in each hill before 

 the crop is planted. Top dressing with nitrate of soda during the 

 period of growth may be beneficial, but excessive amounts should 

 be avoided, or the plants may be injured. A teaspoonful of nitrate 

 sprinkled around each hill at intervals of about three weeks will 

 probably be as much as can be used with safety. 



It is also highly probable that the use of 500 to 700 pounds of 

 acid phosphate to the acre will add to the profits of the crop. 

 Potash, at normal prices, may also be profitable. Both of these 

 mineral elements should be applied after the land has been 

 plowed and then mixed with the soil by thorough harrowing. 

 W:63. 



1. What may be said about drainage in relation to growing cucum- 



bers? 



2. What crop or crops should precede the cucumber ? 



3. Should stable manure be employed in growing cucumbers? 



If so, how much, and how and when should it be used? 

 W-VG : 333. 



4. Do you recommend the use of commercial fertilizers? If so, 



what kind and how and when should they be applied ? 

 W-VG : 333. C : 233. 



