Cold frame/hot bed/pile of poo?

[dilettante]

Hi all. I'm about to build myself some cold frames, but I'm wondering if I could make them, sort of heated if I just chuck a pile of manure in the corner? I know this is more or less the principle of a hot bed, but I don't want to make them too warm, just enough that I could maybe start some chillies and toms off sometime soon.

I tired searching 'hot bed' but apparently the words are too short or common and get removed from the search.

Any thoughts/experiences to share?

[Scarlet]

I think you needs loads of muck to get any heat. How early were you thinking of putting your chillies/toms in there?
Here so e thread : mot sure if it answers your question though?
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...hot-bed-2.html

[Guest]

I would go all or nothing. Either make a proper hot bed and grow chillies etc. or find another way to grow chillies and just plant some squash in the poo heap.

Hotbeds from what I understand need to be turned every other day for 10-14 days then left for several days for gasses to expel. Then use

[Penellype]

I've made a hotbed and not turned it at all. I used the method described here:
How to make a hotbed | LEARN HOW TO GARDEN

In fact I'm thinking of starting a new one soon, possibly tomorrow