Creating a Hot Bed

By James Middleton - Added 7th of May 2008

What is a hot bed?

A hot bed is basically a trench filled with organic materials and capped into a mound with top soil. This method was very popular with the Victorians and is one of the most economical and rewarding ways to produce a good crop. You should expect high fertility for at least 4 years or until the mound flattens. As the organic material in the mound rots in will increase the temperature (hence the term 'hot bed'). This will induce an faster growing and an early crop as well as a long term improvement in general soil structure.

Preparing the ground

Dig a trench 12-14 inches deep. The trench can be as long as you wish, but ensure that you can easily reach all parts with having to walk and compress the soil.

Building the hot bed mound

Fill the first 6-8 inches of the trench with hedge cuttings, twigs or wood chippings.
Apply a further 6 inches of leaves and/or soft stems.
Add 6 inches of fresh animal manure.
Add 6 inches of rotted compost.
Replace about half (6 inches) of top soil to cap off mound.

hotbed

Your hot bed is ready for planting. Good luck.

Credits & Links

Article written by James Middleton - www.theallotmentgarden.co.uk.

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This article is copyrighted and you do not have consent to copy or redistribute it without written consent from the author.

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