Hotbed Construction and Management 1627 



The soil is raked smooth and level and the bed is closed by placing a 

 sash over it. At first the temperature will rise very high, but after one 

 or two days it will drop. When the temperature reaches 85 it is well 

 to begin to plant the seed. The temperature referred to is that 

 of the soil, not that of the air, the latter being regulated by raising 

 or lowering the sash. The position of the sash will, of course, have 

 some influence on the soil temperature. 



management of the hotbed 

 All small seeds, such as radish, lettuce, cabbage, tomato, cauliflower, 



kaj^tt^nu^ 



Fig. 21. — Commercial semi-hotbeds filled with a good crop of cucumbers 



aster, pansy, and the like, should be planted in rows, with 3 inches between 

 rows and \ to \ inch between seeds, and at an average depth of \ inch. 

 Lines, or furrows, are made by pressing the edge of a board into the soil. 

 The seed is sown in these lines, or trenches, and covered with soil, the 

 whole being pressed firm with a flat board and water sprayed on through 

 a fine nozzle. Close attention should be given to the watering, which 

 should be done early every sunny morning. 



Still closer attention should be given at all times to ventilation by raising 

 or lowering the sash. Not only does this ventilation permit necessary 

 fresh air to come in and discarded air to pass out, but it has a great influence 

 on the temperature. When one understands that there are certain tem- 

 peratures which are agreeable to each of the many plants, the reason for 

 adequate ventilation and maintenance of the proper temperature is clear. 



