PRACTICAL GARDENING 



in the north) ; (4) some crops like lettuce and 

 celery do better if started in the hotbed and 

 transplanted after pruning the root system; 

 (5) the elements, moisture, heat and light are 

 controlled so that the germination of the seed 

 is sure; (6) the first crop of weeds may be 

 destroyed by cultivation, the soil made fine 

 and the arrangement of the garden made more 

 attractive by starting the first crops under 

 glass; (7) if the plants are properly cared for 

 they are strong and resist disease more readily ; 

 (8) a means of avoiding insect enemies is 

 provided; (9) tender crops like cucumbers and 

 summer squash may be started early among 

 the other seedlings; (10) a crop of lettuce and 

 other vegetables may be raised after frost sets 

 in, late in the fall. 



Construction of the Hotbed. The hotbed 

 should be constructed the standard size three 

 by six feet, which is the size of one sash. The 

 hotbed may be made larger by increasing 

 the width of the pit and by adding more sash 

 but for the average back yard garden fifty by 



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