13 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca This plan is for a low hotbed or cold frame structure suitable for home or small market gardener. Hotbeds are basically the same as a cold frame but are wired with a soil heating cable (like our plans) or use manure with compost as a heat source. Hotbeds can extend the growing season a couple of months, spring and fall. To build a hotbed without adding a power source, dig a pit underneath the area the cold frame structure will reside. Add fresh, straw-filled manure to the pit to make a layer about 75 cm thick. Level the top before adding 15 cm of planting medium on top. The planting medium should contain well-composted manure and loamy-sandy soil to provide good drainage and fertility. HOTBED & COLD FRAME TO WIRE OR NOT? ARTICLE BY JULIE HARLOW IMAGES BY JAMES LEWIS - SFC ARCHIVES PRACTICAL: GARDENS CHECK IT OUT! PROTECT YOUR GARDEN FROM FROST TIPS FOR CANADIAN GARDENERS SFC News | October 2024 The sloping plank frame pictured provides the framework for standard sized wood windows (.9 x 1.9 metres.) The frame can be made any length in multiples of .9 metres. TOP (L-R): TONY BAGGETT - ADOBE STOCK | LEOPOLD - ADOBE STOCK | MARTINA BERG - ADOBE STOCK
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