Cherries.--Keep up the temperature from 50 deg. to 55 deg. while the
trees are in bloom, with as little variation as possible. The trees not
in flower to be frequently syringed.
Cucumbers.--The greatest attention should be paid to the state of
the bed for the first fortnight after the plants are turned out; the
heat-stick (a stick stuck into the bed) should be examined, being, as
it is, a much better criterion to judge by than a thermometer, which
is generally used to indicate the heat of the atmosphere in the frame;
cover up according to the heat of the bed. If it will allow it, a small
portion of air should be left on every night, which may be given in the
evening after the frame has been closed for two or three hours. Keep up
the heat by stirring, renewing, or topping-up the linings; and attend
to the stopping of the plants, and the earthing-up of the hills, as the
roots make their appearance on the surface.
Melons.--Pot off the plants when the seed-leaves are fully expanded.
Peaches.--When the trees have set their fruit, give the roots, if
growing inside the house, a good watering with liquid manure, mixed with
soft hot water, so as to be of the temperature of the house, or a little
above it. The syringe to be used several times a-day in clear, mild
weather as soon as the fruit is set.
Pines.--Pot the succession plants. If the pots are full of strong,
healthy roots, pick out the crocks carefully without injuring
them, leaving the ball entire, and giving them a good shift. But if
unfortunately many of the roots are dead, shake the ball entirely away,
and cut out all that are dead, preserving such as are alive and healthy,
and potting them in fresh soil.
Strawberries.--Keep up a succession by placing a few dozen pots in a
gentle heat once every fortnight or three weeks.
Vines.--All laterals to be stopped in due time, and all useless buds and
branches to be removed; the leading shoots to be tied in regularly, and
the bunches to be thinned. No more bunches to be left on each Vine than
it is likely to bring to perfect maturity. About one dozen bunches are a
good average crop for each rod. The temperature to range from 55 deg. to
60 deg. at night, with an increase of 5 deg. to 10 deg. during the day,
and even higher during sunshine.