The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1908-06-11
FAMILY HOTBEDS.
Some Coed Suggestions for the smaJ
Beginner.

1870
Beginner.
By J. R. shinn. University Of Idaho. Moscow.
Some kind OF hotbed is All essentia
factor il one is to secure crops from
plants that require an EXCEPTIONAL,
long season for maturing. hotbet
also affords an opportunity to grow GER
tain crops, such as radishes and lettuce
in advance of the season. Such crop
as tomatoes, cabbages, celery and cauli
flower, practically demand that they b
started in the hotbed before they ara
transplanted to the field, especially in
the North. As these crops must ever
be regarded as the staple product Of
every we'll balanced garden, the con-
struction and management of hotbeds
is very timely topic for the prospec-
tive gardener to consider.
First OF all, hotbed may be defined
as an Enclosure covered with sash and
furnished with artificial heat go that
the plants are kept in an actively grow
ing condition. Common stable manure
constitutes the main source for securing
this heat. There are several require
ments that should be noted regarding
the kind and quality of manure used
for hotbeds. 1t should be practically
the same age throughout, and it should
be of such texture that when packed it
will neither be fluffy nor will it be
soggy. On the other hand, it should
respond with springy elasticity be-
meath the weight of a man, without
fuffing up when the pressure is re-
moved. Horse manure which has from
one-third to one-half straw composing
it's total bulk will usually be found to
provide this requisite texture. More
over, this manure should be fresh, in
order that fermentation may proceed
The process OF fermentation is started
before the manure is placed in the hot
bed. To accomplish this the manure
is usually piled in long, shallow,
square-topped piles; if dry when piled,
it is moistened throughout, and if it is
apt to become waters soaked, as is the
Ease in rainy climates, it should be
piled under shelter, for where so much |
moisture is present manure will re-
main cold. The first fermentation is
almost sure to be irregular, go it is ne
,essary to fork over the pile, distribut-
ng the hot manure throughout the
mass, in order to get the heat uniform
y distributed. When it is noticed
hat steam is coming from the pile
gain uniformly, it may be taken as evil
lenee that the manure is ready to place
n the hotbed.
After one thoroughly understands the
Important details of preparing the
manure for the purpose of heating, at
ention should be called to the location
nd construction Of the pit and frame.
Its are usually dug from "a to 80
inches deep and Of sufficient size to ad.
ait the frames being placed inside
heir walls. SIch pits should be 10"
ated near some much-f1equented path, ,
4 order that they are sure to receive p,
ne requisite amount of attention. AL :
avs have the hotbed facing the south ,
nd II such site is available, put it on
lie south side Of some building or tight
oard fence or hill, Protection should
so be sought from the prevailing
inds, for winds have decided effect
carrying away the heat. A we'll
aimed location is also an essential re-
rement
Hotbed sash are 3x6 feet in size and
st about IS each. Frames for these
sh are made with the back IL inches
CHER than the front, the Latter being
inches. The number OF sash and
g size of the frame will depend upon
Q needs Of the family. Usually one
'me 3x6 feet will afford sufficient
tbed area for family of six.
Before the frame is placed upon the
the fermenting manure is placed in
9 pit and thoroughly compacted,
inging the level of the manure to
thin three inches of the surface of
. soil. From three to six inches of
ID loamy garden soil are distributed
snly over the surface OF the manure
order to furnish a seed bed. The
ID is not planted until the excessive
at CT the first few days has begun to
'side. By the use of thermometer
temperature may be accurately as
tanned. Tomatoes may be sown at a
nperature of 80 to so degrees, cab
,e and lettuce from 80 to 70 degrees.