50 HOTBED AND COLD FRAME 



Location. — ^In the selection of a location for a hotbed several 

 factors should be considered. Since it is very important that 

 the seeds and the seedlings should not suffer from the lack of 

 water, it is necessary to place the frames in close proximity 

 to a good supply of available water. This cannot be over- 

 emphasized, because the failure of many crops to be profitable 

 is due to the lack of water during the early part of their 

 growth. 



Hotbeds should be placed so as to be protected from severe 

 cold winds. Usually the cold winds are from the north or 

 the west, and care should be used to see that the frames 

 are protected on these sides. Windbreaks afford the most 

 common as well as the most economical protection and where 

 it is possible natural windbreaks, such as hills, trees, or 

 wooded areas, should be utilized. Where these natural 

 windbreaks are not available, a board fence five or six feet 

 high can be constructed, or a location might be selected back 

 of some outbuildings, such as granaries or buggy sheds. 



Exposure. — It is conceded by all growers that the south 

 or southeast exposures are to be preferred over all others. 

 This aspect allows the frames to have the full benefit of the 

 sun's rays at a time of the year when it is most needed. The 

 frames should run parallel with each other so as to facilitate 

 in the handling of the glass. Roads or alley-ways should 

 be constructed between the frames so as to be more con- 

 venient when composting the manure and when filling 

 the beds. 



Hotbed Pit. — ^Most of the hotbeds are heated by the fer- 

 mentation of maniu-es and for this reason a pit or a hole in 

 the ground is necessary. Good drainage in the pit is an 

 absolute essential, and where natural drainage is poor some 

 artificial means of removmg any surplus water must be 

 provided. In many soils artificial drainage is unnecessary, 

 but occasionally some artificial means of drawing off the 

 surplus water is necessary. Two ways of pro\'iding good 

 drainage is either by the use of 4-inch tile laid in the bottom 

 of the pit, or by placing 6 inches of cinders or coarse gravel 

 in the bottom before the compost is thrown in the pit. Owing 

 to the uncertainty of the weather in the spring it is usually 



