Making A Cold Frame Gardening

Why use a cold frame.

Making a cold frame gardening. Use construction adhesive to attach them. You can purchase a premade cold frame for 100 to 200 or you can create your own simple cold frame by following these steps. If you can t get one use a sheet of glass or twinwall polycarbonate secured to a simple wooden frame. Screw two 71 inch long boards into the butt ends of two 31 inch long boards so that they make a shallow box.

Cold frames are also used to harden off seedlings that were started indoors. 2x2s guide the sides. Create a path to your cold frame and clear plenty of space around it to maximize accessibility. Fixing metal braces to the frame.

Using cold frames for gardening insulation and ventilation are critical in the usage of a cold frame. Or you can raise the air temperature in a well insulated cold frame approximately 10 degrees by plugging in a string of 100 miniature holiday lights still in their box. Sinking the frame into the ground somewhat will also allow you to use the earth for insulation. The boards cut easily with a sharp pocket knife or box cutter.

Install the insulation to the inside walls of the cold frame. Take the measurements of the interior walls in the cold frame box and transfer those to the insulation boards. A cold frame usually consists of a wooden box covered with windowpanes or clear plastic. Hold together with metal braces.

Gardeners use cold frames to extend their gardening season both in the autumn to protect plants for a few more weeks and in the spring to get a jumpstart on sowing seeds. The frame rests directly over the soil in your yard. Build a 3 foot x 6 foot box from untreated lumber. Adding heat you can heat your cold frame with special warming cables or mats available at well stocked garden centers.

To make a cold frame start with an old salvaged window or windows or a clear door such as a shower door. Cold frames protect plants from strong winds and retain heat.