Cucumbers Need Rich Soil And Constant Moisture

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 281, 27 November 1941, Page 19

Cucumbers Need Rich Soil And Constant Moisture

CUCUMBERS, of the popular apple type as well as the various commercial varieties, should be sown or planted now. One of the secrets of success is to ensure a constant supply of moisture. The site should be deeply dug and rich in humus. When the soil has been thoroughly broken up scoop out a hole 18in deep and half fill it with old farm manure, decayed vegetation and lawn clippings. Cover with soil and sow a few seeds on top, or moisten thoroughly and set out plants. When the vines begin to run it will be necessary to stop them to induce the production of fruit more freely. As a rule not more than two or three main branches are required for each plant. These should be stopped at the fourth or fifth joint to induce the growth of lateral shoots. The laterals will afterwards require stopping at one joint above a fruit. Before the plants have madr much growth the surface soil round them should be loosened and covered with a mulch of stable manure or compost. As soon as the fruit is ready for use it must be removed, whether required r>- not, as if left to ripen the productiveness of the plant is stopped.