Hotbed: A bed of soil enclosed in a frame and heated, typically by manure, to promote the growth of seedlings or cuttings.
Hotbeds are like mini-greenhouses, providing warmth and protection for young plants in the early spring. Traditionally, they were made by layering fresh manure and soil in a frame, with the decomposing manure generating heat to warm the soil above. This allowed gardeners to start seeds and grow seedlings earlier in the season, giving them a head start on the growing season.
For home gardeners today, hotbeds can still be a useful tool, although they are less common with the availability of modern greenhouses and heating systems. They can be a cost-effective way to provide a warm environment for seedlings, especially in colder climates. While manure is the traditional heat source, modern hotbeds may use electric heating cables or other methods to provide consistent warmth. Hotbeds can be used to start a variety of plants, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
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