[Alex 98]

Anyone ever tried to make one of these? I know the Victorians used them for growing exotic fruit, quite complex series of pipes and frames.
I think you can do it with fresh manure and turf? :?
Any ideas/experiences?
Alex

[Plottered]

Im a bit late replying here but if your still interested there was a piece on Gardeners world last week about hotbeds and ive also come looking for more info about them. If anyone does this please let us know of your experience and the pro's and cons.

[arugula]

The OP hasn't logged in for nearly three years and this thread is four years old! It isn't always best practice to return to very old threads...

[Plottered]

But what about recycling 

[DD.]

Be better off composting this one!

[GrannieAnnie]

Okay, old thread maybe, but stiill a pertinent question.

about 3 years ago I built a 6ft square 'compost' bin out of old paving blocks.  over that year I filled it with egg shells and veg peelings, and all the stuff you put on a compost heap.  It was 4ft high, and the last foot, I filled in with topsoil, then covered it with a couple of old double glazed units.

It did get very warm in there, and was brilliant for my salad veggies.  Okay, not really a hot bed like the one I saw in The Victorian Kitchen Garden, but half way there!!!

Lots of chicken manure helped.  Unfortunately I don't know anyone with horse manure, that is supposed to be good isn't it?

[bertiewhite]

Unfortunately I don't know anyone with horse manure, that is supposed to be good isn't it?

If you're anywhere near Spilsby I have 3 horses so you can have all you want 

[Kleftiwallah]

The bottom line.  .  .on hot beds is a supply of lots of newly deposited horse muck.   Tis the heat emitted during rotting that doe the bizz.      Cheers,     Tony.

[Rangerkris]

I have an endless supply of fresh horse manure, is it worth it. With the poly tunnel i am not sure if it is. But might try just to say i have tried it.

[GrannieAnnie]

Unfortunately I don't know anyone with horse manure, that is supposed to be good isn't it?

If you're anywhere near Spilsby I have 3 horses so you can have all you want 

Thanks Bertie!  If we are ever going to be 'that' side of Boston, I'll get in touch!   

[bertiewhite]

The bottom line.  .  .............horse muck.   

No pun intended?