56 GARDENING FOR PROFIT, 



CHAPTER VIII. 

 FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HOT-BEDS. 



Although we do not consider hot-beds so convenient or 

 even economical in the long run as the forcing-houses, 

 elsewhere described, yet, as beginners in the business are 

 usually not over-supplied with means, and as hot-beds are 

 to be had at much less first cost than the forcing-houses, 

 we give a description of their formation and management. 

 The most convenient sash for the hot-bed is the three by 

 six foot sash, made out of one inch and a half pine, cost- 

 ing here, at present prices, when painted and glazed, 

 from $2 to $3 each, according to quality. 



The frame for the hot-bed is usually made movable, in 

 lengths which three sashes will cover, making, when 

 complete, a box-like structure, nine feet long (the width 

 of three sashes, three feet wide), and six feet wide (the 

 length of the sashes) ; at the bottom or lower part the 

 plank should be fifteen or eighteen inches high ; the back 

 or top, twenty-four inches ; so that when the sashes are 

 placed on, it will give them the necessary angle to receive 

 the sun's rays and throw off the rain. The sashes should 

 be made as tight fitting as they will easily work, and the 

 plank forming the sides of the box should be higli 

 enough to cover the thickness of the sash, in order to pre- 

 vent the cold air from penetrating. The hot-bed (formed 

 on the surface) on which the frame and sashes are placed 

 should not be less than four feet in depth of hot manure, 

 and should project beyond the frame-work at least twelve 

 inches on all sides ; that is, if the three sash-frame work 

 measures six feet by nine, the hot-bed on which it is to 

 be placed should be made eight feet by eleven. This is 

 one style of hot-bed frame, and the one most commonly 

 used in private gardens ; but in our market gardens, 

 where a large surface is used, our necessities compel us 



