HOTBEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1930, Page 18

HOTBEDS.

In a garden where there is no heated house a hotbed is a very useful appliance. The manure must be well mixed; turn it all over with a light fork, shake out all knots; mix the more strawy parts into the centre of the heap. If any of the material is t really dry it should be watered. Let the heap lie light, so that any air can enter. When tlie heat rises violently, as it should, in three or four days, shake it out again. Preparation should take about .two weeks. The bed should be six inches wider all round than the frame that, is to cover it. Beat the manure down with a fork as each layer is added, but do not tread on it. When the bed is made up, put on the frame and lights; close the lights up tight until the heat rises again, which it will in the course of 24 hours. A bed so made will retain heat for a considerable time' in proportion/ of course, to the size. A .covering of light, soil or coal ashes will keep down injurious gases and afford a plunging bed. Seeds of tender sorts and' cuttings requiring bottom heat can be raised in large numbers in a moderate-sized frame.