What is a Hotbed?

   The Hotbed is a frame in which to hasten the early growth of plants. The foundation of the common hotbed is a pit filled with a fermenting, heat-giving substance. Horse manure is considered excellent. The amount should vary with the locality. A depth of eighteen inches is regarded as sufficient for zero weather. This may be covered with a layer of earth in which seeds or slips are planted. The whole is protected with a frame and covered with glass. The top of the frame should slope to the south to catch the rays of the sun. The sash cover should be hinged so that it may be raised for ventilation during the heat of the day. The sash may be covered by matting during cold nights. Hotbeds are less expensive than greenhouses. They are relied on to bring forward young plants of lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and the like, so as to have them ready for transplanting in the open air when warm weather comes.