CONSTRUCTION AND CARE OF HOTBEDS 



cured by starting as late as the first or even the 

 middle of April, as at that time the weather is mild 

 enough for the sash to be raised a considerable part 

 of the day, giving the plants abundance of fresh 

 air, which makes for robust plants. 



Plants which are left in the hotbeds even a few 

 days longer than necessary are apt to be injured. 

 For one thing, they become crowded and spindly 

 and their roots penetrate below the soil into the 

 crude, heated manure and are injured; they be- 

 come matted and must be separated, and more or 

 less injury results in the process, all of which 

 would be avoided if the plants could go into the 

 ground as soon as they are ready. 



Next in importance in the starting of the hot- 

 bed is the location; this will depend largely upon 

 the arrangement of the grounds and buildings, 

 and I can only point out the most desirable condi- 

 tions. 



The location should be the warmest at com- 

 mand and one which will receive the greatest 

 amount of sunshine. It should be on the south side 

 of a building or high-board fence, and should have 

 some protection from rough west winds if possi- 

 ble. It should be easily accessible from the house, 



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