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.
Construction is easy--the cold frame can be made using salvaged wood and old storm windows.
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Signing UpStep 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)
- 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)
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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!