THE JOYOUS ART OF GARDENING 



summer retirement. The regulation cold-frame — "frame," 

 as gardeners call it — is six feet by twelve, and is covered by 

 four SLX-by-three sash. The sash may be bought for three 

 dollars and a half each, and the wooden supporting frames are 

 bought to fit for one or two or three or four sash, or they may 

 be made at home. Of course, if for sash one uses storm-windows 

 or old window-sash the frames will not be of the regulation 

 size, but must be made to fit the sash. 



The essentials are that the frame be in a sheltered place, 

 open to the sun, protected on the north and west; to get the 

 greatest possible sunshine the glass shojiild slope toward the 

 south; this is managed by having the back of the frame fifteen 

 inches above the ground, while the front is only twelve. The 

 sash must rest evenly on the supporting frame, and the frame 

 be well banked on the outside. 



How TO Take Care of a Cold-Frame 



Like many other branches of garden craft, the managing 

 of a cold-frame is extremely easy — ^when one has the hang of 

 it. Ventilation is very important; giveiuir by raising the sash 

 and putting a block of wood between it and the frame. Cover 

 warmly at night; for this old carpet or matting can be used — 

 mats made of salt hay — while boards are laid on to keep the 

 covering in place. Mats made for the purpose and shutters 

 to lay over the frames can be bought for very little. 



Sow the seed in boxes or flats and place these in the frames, 

 or else sow the seed directly in the cold-frame, in which case 

 make the soil fine and light, well enriched with sheep manure 

 or other fertilizer; but it is unnecessary to have it worked 

 for more than six inches in depth. For. two or three days be- 

 fore planting keep the sash on to warm up the soil. Sow in 

 narrow rows, cover very lightly, and water with a fine rose 



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