The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1923-11-23
Grow Cucumbers
in Greenhouses
It Is One Of the Most Prom
Using Of Vegetable-Forc-
ing Crops Produced.

prepared by the United States Department
of Agriculture.)
Directions for the growing of green
house cucumbers are given in Farm
ers' Bulletin 1920, 1.-THE Production of
Cucumbers in Greenhouses" by James
H. Beattie, horticultural, 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 food
value, it is extremely popular, owing
to the fact that it is an appetizer with
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 repres,n mt
at least 80 per cent of the $15,000yO0O
annual value of the vegetabIe-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 it has at
tanned considerable Importance. The
modern forcing house makes it posi-
BILE to produce high-grade product
over a wide range Of seasons ana to
put it on the market within a few
hours after it 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 than does
the cucumber. The use Of the forcing
house makes 1t possible to mature the
crop at seasons when the outdoor
grown crop is not available. More
over, 1t 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 Transports
tion and handling cost before it
reaches the consumer.
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, says 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
dustry including the best types of
greenhouses to use, soils and fertiliE-
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 90 cucum-
bers may be expected from each plant.
AS many as 100 to 120 cucumbers have
often been gathered from single
plant. AS rule, heavier yields will
be secured from spring grown cucum-
bers than are had from fall or win
ter crop. The price received varies
greatly and may range from as low
as so cents to 81 or more per dozen.
The cucumber is one of the most
promising of the vegetable-fo rcing
crops, but it can 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-
tlire, Washington, D. c., as long as the
supply lasts.