PRACTICAL GARDENING 



over the entire surface of the seed bed and 

 prevents draft. If a cloud covers the sun and 

 there is a chill in the air lower the sash and 

 sometimes close it. In February, March, and 

 April close the hotbed about three in the after- 

 noon so that the heat from the last rays of sun 

 may be retained. As the season advances in- 

 crease the ventilation and decrease the water- 

 ing. Always give a little ventilation on bright 

 days and especially early in the morning to 

 allow any bad air to escape. 



Protection. It will be necessary to have 

 straw mats, or some other protection to keep 

 the frost out during the night. While the 

 manure retains its heat for three months it is 

 not warm enough to keep out the frosts of 

 February or March. Cover the hotbed about 

 five in the afternoon and remove it about eight 

 or nine in the morning. This same practice 

 may be followed in the fall with lettuce or beets 

 that are to mature after the frosts set in. If 

 the weather is severe the sides may be backed 

 with manure and extra covering placed on the 



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