144 



MAKING HORTICULTURE PAY 



deep. If not rich and mellow, add one-quarter of 

 well-rotted stable manure. The soil should not be 

 so wet it will pack. 



" After the soil is on cover the whole surface of 

 the bed with old carpets, bags, or any material that 

 will keep out cold and retain heat. Let it remain a 

 few days, or until the soil is warmed through. Use 

 a thermometer to determine the heat. When 60 to 

 80 degrees is reached, plant the seed, marking off the 

 drills 4 to 6 inches apart and about three-quarters 



HOTBED 



of an inch deep. Sow the seed evenly; peppers, 

 tomatoes, and eggplants 30 to 40 seeds to the inch. 

 Press down the soil firmly, and cover with fine soil a 

 full quarter of an inch. Put on the carpet again, and 

 let it remain until the seed begins to come through. 

 Watch to see that the temperature does not go 

 much above 80. 



VENTILATION 



" In warm sunny weather the sash should be 

 raised to keep the temperature right. In cold 



