Can I build a cold frame myself?
Building a simple cold frame is easy and can usually be done with scrap lumber and other supplies you may have lying around the house, garage or shed. If you are making a lid from scratch, the plan is to secure durable, clear plastic sheeting to a lid that matches the dimensions of the top of the box. For budding horticulturalists, a cold frame is a great addition to the garden. Simply put, cold frames are box-like structures that protect seedlings and other young plants from harsh weather conditions.To build the ultimate cold frame you should use 10mm polycarbonate sheets. It is a quality material that is incredibly strong and durable; just what is required for a cold frame.
How much warmer is a cold frame than outside?
Gardeners can anticipate the temperature inside a cold frame to be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outside air. Different styles of cold frames exist. One easy cold frame to make is a wooden box with the back taller than the front with a window that acts as the lid. Limited space and height – cold frames typically have a smaller growing area and lower height, which can limit the types of plants that can be accommodated. Taller or vining plants may outgrow the available space.Cold frames can be set up on any surface, including grass, concrete or gravel and they’re easy to move around, so you can choose their spot depending on what’s inside – shade for raising cuttings and sunnier for vegetables.For a cold frame housing growing plants (as opposed to just starting seeds), a south-facing position (in the northern hemisphere) with ample sunlight is crucial. Equally important is protection from harsh northerly or easterly winds, particularly during winter.Our cold frame shelves can be bought has an additional extra which will create more space to put more seedlings or plants in. Another disadvantage of the wooden sides of a traditional cold frame is that the plants can become drawn to grow towards the light.
What is the best location for a cold frame?
Somewhere with a clear southern exposure is ideal, as that will allow for the greatest acquisition of solar radiation. In addition to winter growing, cold frames can be used to sprout plants for growth in a regular summer vegetable garden, so building your cold frame near your summer garden is beneficial. Using a Cold Frame to Overwinter Plants Some overwintering plants can spend their entire lives in a cold frame. Hardy salad leaves from winter lettuce to mizuna to corn salad (lamb’s lettuce or mache) can be sown in the frame in late summer and will keep in great condition over winter.Most commonly, salad greens such as spinach, chard, arugula and a variety of lettuces are grown in a cold frame, but it’s not just limited to that. Other vegetables can be successfully grown in a cold frame too, including radishes, leeks and carrots.Starting seeds in a cold frame or greenhouse is a smart and efficient way for gardeners to extend their growing season and ensure healthier, more robust plants. It allows you to get a head start on the growing season, giving your plants a better chance to thrive when they are eventually transplanted into your garden.Most commonly, salad greens such as spinach, chard, arugula and a variety of lettuces are grown in a cold frame, but it’s not just limited to that. Other vegetables can be successfully grown in a cold frame too, including radishes, leeks and carrots.
How deep does a cold frame need to be?
Often the dimensions of the cold frame are dictated by the materials being repurposed. Be sure the frame is not more than 3 feet deep to allow you to easily reach the back without stepping inside. Ideally, the frame is about 12 inches high in front and 18 inches high in the back. There is no standard-size cold frame, so its dimensions will depend on the amount of your available space, how you plan to use the cold frame, and the size of your sash material; 3 to 4 feet is a convenient space to reach across.
How do I ventilate a cold frame?
Use a thermometer to determine when to open the cover for ventilation. The sash should be raised when the air temperature inside the cold frame rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be closed before sunset to retain heat. A simple board or dowel can be used to prop the cover open. For effective ventilation: Open all doors and vents on sunny days. These can be left open at night if the temperature remains high. It is sometimes necessary to temporarily remove panes from glasshouses to assist ventilation in heat waves. Fit automatic vent openers to ensure roof vents open even when you are not .