Making and Using a Cold Frame

Get a jump on the growing season by using a cold frame. Build your own and be kind to the environment and your budget by using reclaimed wood and old window sashes or storm doors.

Most cold frames are 3 x 6 feet or sized to fit the recycled window sashes or other material used for the cover. Make the cold frame tall enough to accommodate the growing plants. The back wall is usually 18 to 30 inches high.  The front wall is usually shorter, about 12 to 24 inches, for greater light penetration.

Cut the side walls on a slant to accommodate the change of height from the back to the front wall.  Use 2 x 2’s for the corners and to stake your cold frame in place.

If possible, face the front of the cold frame toward the south for maximum light and solar heat and the back against a building for added insulation.

A bit more information:  Vent cold frames on hot days and cover with carpet or other material for added insulation on extremely cold nights.  Or use floating row covers to extend the season if building a cold frame doesn’t fit your gardening goals or construction skills.

Tags

planting

Related

Article

Planting Bulbs Deeper Than Recommended

Article

Forcing Tulips

Article

Planting Around Bulbs

Article

Late Winter Bulb Planting

Article

Late Start to Bulb Planting

Article

Sprouted Bulbs

Article

Sprouted Oriental Lily Bulbs

Article

Growing Cherry from the Pits

Article

Starting New Blueberry Plants

Article

Start Cactus from Cutting

• « Previous
• 1
• 2
• ...
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• Next »