Turning Raised Beds into Hot Beds

[MarkHackwell]

I decided about 3 years ago to put in some raised beds onto my allotment plot, I haven't been down there a lot this year soo they have become overgrown (especially the chipped bark pathways) and also I feel I haven't used the raised beds to there advantage as I have to keep filling up with compost. I was thinking of doing away with them but am now thinking of turning them into Hot Beds instead. What do people think of my idea and has anyone done the same?

[Richard Eldritch]

As far as I know, hotbeds require a metre of manure and a cold fram on top to generate and hold enough heat. Good luck though!

[Bren In Pots]

Mark here's a link to an older thread :-

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...bed_47558.html

theres a good clip in the thread that 'two sheds' posted that's still active and is well worth watching.

[MarkHackwell]

Mark here's a link to an older thread :-

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...bed_47558.html

theres a good clip in the thread that 'two sheds' posted that's still active and is well worth watching.

Thanks thats really made me think Now just the problem of finding fresh manure, Time for me too get a horse I think :P don't think the council would be too pleased me putting a horse on the allotment though, although could help keep the grass in check :L Do you think rotted manure and straw would do the same?

[Penellype]

You need fresh manure for a hotbed - its the rotting process that produces the heat. I made one this spring and I've grown beans, courgettes and tomatoes in it. The effect is wearing off now, but despite it being quite shady the plants were at least as far forward as those planted at the same time in an unheated greenhouse, possibly more so.

[sequoia]

Is the effort worthwhile or would you be better with a PT for that extra gain and less time?