44 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



6. How should tomato seed be selected, cleaned, and stored f 



W-VG: 97-99. L: 17. Tra: 112. 



7. How many years will tomato seed retain its vitality f 



5. Constructing the hotbed. — In northern sections, toma- 

 toes are always started where there is at least some artificial heat. 

 In thousands of homes a sunny window serves the purpose, but 

 a well-constructed hotbed has special advantages. Whether the 

 tomatoes are wanted for market or for the home table, earliness 

 is an exceedingly important factor. 



The hotbed should be located near the residence, if possible, 

 for it may require attention several times a day. It should also 

 be near an abundant supply of water. Any protection afforded 

 by buildings, trees, fences, or hills on the north or northwest will 

 be a great advantage. Southern and southeastern exposures are 

 preferred. Good soil drainage is also essential. 



The hotbed pit should be dug in the fall before the ground is 

 frozen to any considerable depth. It should be dug so that the 

 sash will slope to the south or southeast. The depth of the pit 

 will depend largely on the severity of the climate and the time the 

 seed is to be sown. Two feet of manure, or a pit about two feet 

 deep, is entirely satisfactory, for most sections of the North. 



The frame may be built of wood, concrete, brick, or stone. 

 Home gardeners generally line the pit with plank or boards and 

 construct a wooden frame for the top. The upper or north side 

 of the frame should be about 6 inches higher than the lower or 

 south side. If the hotbed is to be used year after year, a concrete 

 frame will be found more economical. 



The standard hotbed sash is 3x6 feet in size, and the smaller 

 hotbeds are generally made to accommodate either two or four 

 sashes, thus being 6x6 feet or 6x12 feet in size. It is a simple 

 matter to paint and glaze the sash at home. 



