258 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



bers of plants are to be used this can be done in window boxes or 

 the plants raised by market gardeners may be purchased at the 

 time they are to be transplanted. Where large numbers of plants 

 are required a hotbed or coldframe is necessary. 



Hotbeds are most suitable for the growth of early garden 

 plants. They should be located in protected places where they 

 can have free exposure to the sun and receive as little of the west 

 and north winds as possible (Fig. 179). The frames are covered 

 with glass and should be so constructed as to give the glass a good 

 pitch toward the sun. If the frames are to be permanent, concrete 

 walls may extend a little below ground and rise to suitable heights 

 to give the desired pitch to the glass frames, which are laid on top 

 of the concrete walls. Temporary frames may be made of two- 

 inch lumber nailed to stakes driven in the ground at the corners 



FIG. 179. The construction, use, and management of a hotbed in winter should be con- 

 sidered by students in vegetable gardening. 



of the bed Movable frames are often used on farms. For such 

 frames two-inch lumber is nailed to corner pieces, and a suitable 

 size is about 6 by 6 feet for each frame. One strip across the top 

 of the middle will divide the two lines of sash and will strengthen 

 the frame. The source of heat in a true hotbed is chiefly from 

 rotting manure. After the frame is in place it is properly banked 

 on the outside, if not set in the ground. About one foot of fresh 

 horse manure is firmly packed in the bottom. This is covered with 

 about six inches of good garden soil, preferably containing a good 

 proportion of sand. The glass is then placed over the frame and 

 left until the manure begins to heat. When the temperature is 

 favorable seeds may be planted. The proper degree of moisture 

 must be studied closely and watering should be frequent, but only 

 a little at a time. On warm days much danger may be done by 



