hotbed (redirected from hotbeds)

hotbed, low, glass-covered frame structure for starting tender plants. It differs from a cold frame only in that the soil is heated—either artificially as by underground electric wiring or steampipes, or naturally with partially fermented stable manure, which is mixed with dead leaves or straw, placed in the bottom of the hotbed frame, and covered with a layer of soil. Heat is produced by the decaying organic matter. Proper ventilation is important, as is thermostatic control of artificially heated hotbeds. Tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and other crops can be grown in hotbeds in the spring.

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hotbed

a glass-covered bed of soil, usually heated by fermenting material, used for propagating plants, forcing early vegetables, etc.

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hotbed [′hät‚bed]

(agriculture)

A bed of soil enclosed by a low frame with glass panels and heated by fermented manure or electric cables; used for forcing tender plants to grow out of season or to protect tender exotic plants.

(metallurgy)

An area where hot-rolled metal is placed to cool. Also known as cooling table.