How to Grow Plants from Seeds 



181 



and is usually of the shape shown in the accompanying 

 diagrams. The top is fitted with glass sash, which is 



FIG. 105. Diagram showing the completed frame of a hotbed. 



given a sloping surface to shed the rain. The standard 

 size for the sash is 3 X 6 feet ; so a frame 6X6 feet will 

 be covered by two sash. A hotbed of this size is large 

 enough to supply plants for the small home garden, but 

 the size and shape of the frame may be made to suit any 

 sash that may be at hand. The sash of the storm windows 

 may be used as a covering, as the hotbed is not started 

 until the most severe weather of winter is past. 



The hotbed should be located on a well-drained spot. 

 Its sloping surface should be fully exposed to the south. 

 On the north it should be protected by a fence, a hedge, 

 a wall, or a building. It should be near a supply of 

 water and within the vicinity of a building or basement 

 in which the work of seed sowing and transplanting from 

 flat to flat can be done very easily. 



Making the hotbed. To make a pit hotbed, dig a pit 

 about 20 inches deep and of the exact size and shape 

 of the frame to be used. Then drive a post at least 6 

 inches in diameter at each corner, so that all the tops 

 are on a level about 6 inches below the surface of the 

 ground. 



