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work requires some experience and special study and is 

 the most important factor in hotbed management. 



After the manure reaches a uniform heat, it should 

 be packed tightly into the subframe, paying particular 

 attention to it that it is tramped well around sides and 

 into corners. On top of the manure are placed from four 

 to six inches of rich, finely sifted soil. It is then left to 

 stand for several days, or until the soil temperature goes 

 down to ninety degrees or less, depending on what you 

 intend to raise. Seeds may then be sown. 



The two most important factors in managing a hotbed 

 are regular watering and timely ventilation. Without 

 ample water the heat in the hotbed, retained by the glass 

 sash, will burn up the plants. Without ventilation, the 

 plants will grow spindly, weak, and be ill-fitted to undergo 

 subsequent transplanting. 



Hotbeds are generally dug and prepared in the fall, 

 filled with manure in mid-winter, and pressed into actual 

 service some time in February. However, all depends on 

 where you live and what you want to grow. 



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