The Forcing-Book. A Manual of the Cultivation of Vegetables in Glass Houses

One of the most interesting and significant testimonies of the continuous expansion of the horticultural business is the evolution of greenhouses in the 19th century. It is only during the last one or two generations that the cultivation of plants in greenhouses for the purpose of selling flowers or fruits have become important and widespread. The most recent part of the expansion, at least in England, is the commercial cultivation of winter vegetables. This is one of those branches of agriculture that require the highest skill and the closest communication with plants. Thus, this is an occupation in which relatively few people are adapted, but it should, by the very strength of civilization, be one of those occupations that will gain momentum over time. If this is a business that requires a lot of care and effort, then students should be its organizers, and they will need help. It was this thought that prompted the author to create this book. The book was written for a commercial winter vegetable grower, but the writer will be glad if it gets someone to put in the effort of growing vegetables for their own table. The very obstacles to be overcome make the effort all the more worthwhile; and the pleasure of growing a garden when the snow lies deep in front of the house is the hottest and most unselfish. While this guide only discusses forcing garden vegetables, the basic principles that are outlined apply almost equally to forcing plants to bloom. Also, the purpose of the book is to only treat crops that are grown to maturity in greenhouses, so that starting plants for planting outdoors and all questions about greenhouses and cold rooms are omitted.