Cloches

Chapter XIV: Crops on Hot-Beds Under Cloches

Excerpt: THE last week of January begin making a hot­ bed, twelve inches thick, exactly as for the frames. When the first bed is ready, cover it with three inches of compost. Set thereon the cloches, neatly, in their proper position, in three rows, with those in the middle row falling between the two in the outer rows. Keep one inch apart. Go on with the second bed, then with the third. Each bed of three rows of cloches is separated from the next by a path eighteen inches wide. By this time the heat will be nicely through the first bed-which may be seen by the moisture on the inside of the glass-and it is then ready for planting. Sow forcing carrot seed thinly, set a cos lettuce in the center of each cloche, and three cabbage lettuces, at equal distances apart, around the cos. On one side of each cloche press the soil with the foot to make an opening for air; this gives them all they need until the weather becomes more genial. Give water and air according to the weather.

Illustrations: Cloches, Mats, and Cold Frames



Carrying Cloches.


Chapter VII: Cloches, Cloche-Carriers, and Pegs


Excerpt: CLOCHES, or bell-glasses, are used in great number. They protect the plants as well as the frames do. They admit more light, cost less in proportion, require no painting, and, save for the few that get broken, last for all time.

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