Hotbeds should be located so that a liberal supply of water is accessible. The most convenient plan so far as water is concerned is to install the overhead system of irrigation (122) and also to make provision for hose connections. Spigots, with underground cut-offs, should be placed between the frames, at intervals not exceeding 100 feet.

The hotbeds should also be convenient to the farm buildings, and to a room which can be made warm and comfortable for the work of sowing and transplanting. The frames require frequent attention some days, and a convenient location is important for this reason.

Protection from severe north and west winds is a great advantage. This may be secured by natural windbreaks, as hills and trees. Buildings may also serve the purpose. A common practice is to plant hedges or to construct board walls 5 or 6 feet high for this purpose. The walls may also be used to support the mats while drying.

South or southeastern exposures are preferable to others. The frames should run parallel with each other, with ample space between them for alleys or roadways, for the handling of mats and sash, and for snow shoveled from the glass. To serve these purposes best there should be at least 10 feet between the frames, but when the land is high priced and limited in area it is economy to make the alleys about 2 feet wide. These alleys are often filled with manure to help retain the heat of the hotbeds.