Build a Cold Frame with Recycled Materials

Cold frame gardening is a simple way to extend your harvest season, allowing for fresh crops year-round. The structure consists of a bottomless box that sits on the soil and a glass "light". 
Construction is easy--the cold frame can be made using salvaged wood and old storm windows. 

Step 1 Gather Materials

 - Find a light. In this case, we used an old storm window measuring approximately 70'' x 26''. The light should not exceed 4' in width, to make harvesting an easy reach. 
- Find scrap wood that will fit your light.
Note that the frame can be made of other materials such as concrete blocks, straw bales, etc.
 
Tools and Hardware you will need:
- Sawhorses 
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Saw (handsaw would work, but we used a circular)
- Measuring Tape
- Builder's square
- Pencil
- Hinges (we used a 4" strap hinge)
- Handles 
- Something to prop the light open to harvest and vent (we used a curtain rod)

Comments

[tim_n]

I've built a similar project myself.  I used ex-scaffolding boards, sealed the rough cut edges with a sealant to make sure slugs can't get in.  I used a dumpster dived shower door.

I've got a pic, but unfortunately my old unsupported version of IE won't let me post it on instructables, but you can view it here

Mine is perminantly placed though and has weed supressant membrane coving the bottom and two inches of gravel.  The gravel traps the heat during the day giving a slow release throughout the night.

I can then seed pots on the gravel and be assured that they won't have too much of a problem unless it gets particularly hot.  In the south UK last year I melted plant pots in it during the summer!

[NullLifeException]

 Great instructable.  I'd just like to make a comment about building walls out of straw bales.  While this is great insulation, straw bales exposed to the elements become wet.  Wet straw bales are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, resulting in mold.  If you have a problem with mold (ie. you have asthma) don't use straw bales.  I wouldn't be too worried about the mold spreading to the plants, but it is certainly possible.