Growing Flowers 209 



answer well, but if this is not feasible, high boards 

 may be placed in an upright position near the hot- 

 bed. 



Sacks of leaves, straw, or a bag of manure laid over 

 the hotbed sash at night will protect the young 

 plants in even the coldest weather. The layer of 

 manure in the sack need not be more than an 

 inch thick, but it should cover all parts of the sash. 

 Double sash will be very convenient, though it 

 will not be necessary to use it all season. 



In starting ventilation for the hotbed, always raise 

 the side of the sash opposite the direction in which 

 the wind is blowing, or the plants are likely to take 

 cold. 



Several small hotbeds are more convenient than 

 one large one, as they are easier to handle and each 

 variety of flowers can be treated in such manner 

 as is best suited to the plant. 



When to start the hotbed depends upon the 

 location. In a cold climate, it will be impractical 

 to start it as early as it is started in a warm 

 climate, for the ground will have to become 

 thoroughly warmed anyway before the young 

 plants can be transplanted. The length of time 

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