Introduction: A Glassless Cold Frame / Mini-greenhouse
This describes how I made a cold frame, or a bottomless mini-greenhouse if you will, using an old skylight dome for the top. It's a simple process really, too simple to warrant a full step-by-step.
Over time, my skylight dome acquired a border of black ductape, which looks neat and hides some cracks; I also added some luggage ties so I can cover the dome with something translucent to shield my herbs from too-bright sun.
What are the advantages of building this cold frame?
- Acquire skylight dome, recycled of course
- Measure the size of the frame that will fit inside
- Make frame from plywood: 30 cm high, and almost as wide and long as the dome
- Paint the frame so it will be durable. I used two coats of white primer for outdoors
- Place frame in your garden on a patch of good clean soil
- Sow your herbs.
Over time, my skylight dome acquired a border of black ductape, which looks neat and hides some cracks; I also added some luggage ties so I can cover the dome with something translucent to shield my herbs from too-bright sun.
What are the advantages of building this cold frame?
- You can sow your herbs and veggies earlier in the season, capturing the sun's heat to boost them
- There is no glass involved. It's safe for children and pets
- It keeps your seedlings safe from birds, snails, hail and Godzilla
- It's a great way to reuse an old skylight dome
- It's very easy to build
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3 Comments
I have some old mobile home skylights that I can conver into cold frames this winter.
Aha. I recognized the skylight dome. We have one that needs replacing. Now I'm even more motivated to replace it and recycle the old one. Thanks for the idea!
Nice! Please post a pic when you're done.