Watering and Ventilating 



361 



tion applies with special force to cucumbers, melons and 

 other " warm " plants ; and also to the early season, when 

 it is necessary to keep the frame close. It is commonly 

 better to water in the morning, or at least when there is 

 still enough sun heat left to warm the soil before night- 

 fall. It is well also to avoid ice-cold water. The water 

 should have a temperature of 60° to 65°, if possible, par- 

 ticularly for warm-growing plants and early in the season. 

 Avoid dribbling or merely wetting the surface. The soil 

 should be wet thoroughly at each watering, and not wet 

 again until the plants need it; 

 but on the other hand, one should 

 avoid drenching. 



Ventilation is important, (1) to 

 dry the air, (2) to aid in control- 

 ling the temperature. 



Plants kept close and wet tend 



to grow too tall and soft, and to 221. The sash raised for 



lack in stockiness. On pleasant ventilation. ^ 



and sunny days, ventilation should be given by raising the 

 sash, resting it on a notched block (Fig. 221), or by sliding 

 down the sash. The general tendency with beginners is to 

 ventilate too little rather than too much. One is likely to 

 judge the temperature by the wind and air about his 

 face and ears, whereas the hotbed, being on the surface 

 of the ground, is considerably warmer and more pro- 

 tected. 



Whenever the air in the bed is so moist that drops of 

 water collect on the panes, ventilation should be given if 

 the temperature will permit. In fact, it is the aim of 

 good gardeners not to have the atmosphere very moist 



