FRAME CROPS 



395 



for the growing of the various classes of vegetables in 

 coldframes. In many instances it is not so convenient to 

 apply manures and fertilizers in frames as in greenhouses, 

 and perhaps greater care should be taken to have the soil 

 fully and properly enriched before the crops are started. 



Watering. All that was said in Chapter X about 

 watering applies to the moisture problem of frame crops. 

 Success or failure hinges on this operation more than on 

 any other factor. Evaporation is often very rapid, and 

 constant alertness is required in order that the plants do 

 not suffer at any time from an insufficient supply of soil 

 moisture. It is also important to avoid over-watering 

 and to maintain suitable atmospheric conditions for each 



Fig. 137. Pit or hotbed, showing drainage basin. 



crop. The overhead system of irrigation is often 

 employed for frame crops. 



Ventilation. Sash-covered frames may be ventilated 

 in various ways. When there are cross bars the sash may 

 be shoved either way so as to give as much ventilation as 



