Hot Beds

A practical guide to cultivating out-of-season vegetables in small spaces, using the age-old technique of growing in hot beds.

The ancient method of hot-bed gardening, once favoured by both the Romans and the Victorians, uses the natural heat generated by decomposing organic matter to grow out-of-season vegetables in small spaces.

In this practical guide, hot-bed pioneer Jack First shows how to adapt and modernise this age-old method to suit today’s gardens. With just stable manure (or eco-friendly alternatives), a simple wooden frame and a modest space, you could be harvesting crisp salads in March and new potatoes in early April.

Featuring hundreds of photographs, this accessible book gives you everything you need to build and maintain your own hot bed. With clear step-by-step instructions, a detailed calendar year and helpful diagrams, it’s a must have for anyone looking to extend their growing season in a sustainable, budget-friendly way.