HOTBEDS AND COLDFRAMES 57 



may be forced early in a hotbed, but they prefer a day heat 

 ranging from 70° to 85° Fahr. The same difEerences are to 

 be observed for the lower temperatures, which usually come at 

 night. 'That is, the "cool weather" plants endure a night 

 temperature of 40° or so; while the "hot weather" plants 

 should not be allowed to drop below 45° or 50° at night or on 

 cold days. 



The ventilation of the hotbed must be watched closely. 

 It is by the raising of one end of the sash that a little air is 

 allowed to circulate in the bed. The ventilation is carried on 

 abundantly on warm days and is much less on cooler days. 

 Avoid cool winds on the plants just after they have been shut 

 up in a hot moist bed. 



The moisture is not so difficult to regulate in a hotbed as 

 in the open garden ; but during warm days when the glass is 

 raised for ventilation moisture will escape very rapidly. The 

 soil is easily kept in proper condition by applying water in 

 small quantities frequently, say early every sunny morning. 



