The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1923-11-22
Grow Cucumbers
in Greenhouses
It Is One of the Most Prom
Using of Vegetable Fore
ing Crops Produced.

PREPARED by the United States Department
OF Agricultural
Directions for the growing OF green
house cucumbers are given In Farm
ers' Bulletin 1890, The Production of
Cucumbers in Greenhouses" by James
II. Beattie. horticulturist, of the United
States Department of Agriculture,
which has just been released for dis
tribution.
Greenhouse-grown cucumbers, says
the bulletin, occupy a high place In the
estimation Of those who have learned
to appreciate their superior quality.
While the cucumber is not high In o o
value, it is extremely popular, owing
to the fact that it is an appetizer with
a ~sprightly flavor which appeals to
most palates. The development of the
vegetable-forcing industry in this coun-
try was largely influenced by the win
ter demand for cucumbers, lettuce, and
tomatoes, and these have always been
the most important vegetable-forcing
crops produced in the various sections
of the United States. According to
available records, cucumbers are sec
ond in Importance, with lettuce occupy
ing first place. These crops represent
at least 90 per cent of the S15,0OO.OOO
annual value OF the vegetable-forcing
crops produced In this country.
Factors Influence Growth.
Many factors have influenced the
growth of the vegetable-forcing indus
try In the sections where Ii has at
tanned considerable Importance. The
modern forcing house makes ii posi-
BILE to produce a high-grade product
over q wide range of seasons ana to
put II on the market within a few
hours after II is harvested. Cucum-
bers grown In this manner can be car
ried to the proper stage OF maturity
on the vines and put into the hands
of the consumer In a fresh state. Few
vegetables lose more In quality by not
being served perfectly fresh han does
the cucumber. The use of the forcing
house makes II possible to mature the
crop at seasons when the outdoor
grown crop Is not available. More
over, II is possible TO grow greenhouse
cucumbers so that they can be mar
keted in competition with much of the
outdoor-grown crop produced In the
winter-gardening sections Of the coun-
try. which has been off the plant for a
considerable period and which must
bear an exceedingly high transporta-
tion and handling cost before 1t
reaches the onsumer
Essentials for Success.
Success depends on the kind OF
greenhouse used, the availability Of
cheap fuel and labor, ready access to
suitable markets, and close attention
to details, a v Mr.. Beattie. Cucumber
forcing is a highly specialized form Of
work, and under favorable conditions
The industry is profitable. The bulle-
tin discusses the essentials Of the In
iustry including the best types of
greenhouses to use, soils and fertile
ers, varieties to grow, management Of
the crop, harvesting and marketing,
and other crops to grow during the
short days Of midwinter.
The yields depend upon the care and
attention given the crop. Under favor
able conditions from 80 to co cucum-
bers may he expected from each plant.
AS many as 100 to 100 cucumbers have
often been gathered from a single
plant. AS a rule, heavier yields will
be secured FROM spring grown cucum-
bers thar are had from a fall or win
ter crop. The price received varies
greatly and may range from as low
as so cents to 81 OF more per dozen.
The cucumber is one of the most
promising of the vegetable-fo 'cing
crops, but II car be successfully pro
duced only by paying close attention
to all the details Of this highly spe-
cialized industry. Copies of the bulle-
tin may be secured by writing to the
United States Department Of Agricul-
ture, Washington, d. c., as long as the
supply lasts.