Hotbed Construction and Management 



1617 



LOCATION OF THE HOTBED 



When the question of hotbeds is brought up for definite consideration 

 one of the first questions to be settled is, where shall the bed be located 

 on the farm or home grounds ? Generally speaking, a southern exposure, 

 with a windbreak in the form of a barn, dwelling, or trees that will give 

 shelter and protection from the north winds, affords the most suitable 

 site. Where there are no buildings nor tree hedges available for shelter, 

 a 6- or 7-foot board fence can be constructed on the north side of the 

 hotbed pit. Usually, this fence is built by setting posts, 6 to 8 inches 

 in diameter, at least 3 feet deep in the ground and 8 to 10 feet apart. 







Fig. 10. — A series of three-sash hotbeds, of cheap construction, used on a small com- 

 mercial plant 



These posts extend upward 6 to 8 feet, having a slight northern cant. 

 Sometimes a short brace is placed against them on the northern side 

 about 3 feet from the ground, being either driven into the earth or attached 

 to stakes that are so driven. Boards, generally matched, are then nailed 

 on the south side of these posts. Such a fence will give ample protection 

 to the hotbed and good satisfaction to the gardener. 



CONSTRUCTION OF A HOTBED MADE ENTIRELY OF WOOD 



After the site has been chosen, the next step is to stake out the ground 

 for the work of excavation. At least 3 feet, and preferably 4 feet, should 

 be allowed between the back of the hotbed and the windbreak. This 



