Cold frame construction with recycled materials

Here is an example of how to construct a cold frame for your garden using recycled materials. You can build a cold frame without spending a dime and reduce landfill waste at the same time.

Step 1: Gather Materials

Step 1: Gather Materials
a) discarded wooden window
b) scrap pieces of wood (long enough for each side)
c) screws and nails
d) hinges
e) tools (saw, drill, hammer, measuring tape, pencil)

Comments

[speltbaker]

so.. years ago i DID the old recycled window over my large garden bed... then a 35 ft. pine tree fell over during a storm, and smashed it into a million pieces. i now have a raised bed with glass deep inside, and glass shards all over my garden. every year i dig more out: it is never ending.

so, i'd have to say check your surroundings before considering glass in the garden!

[vmlocks1]

I have a 6x4 raised bed. It looks very similar to your design sans the top. Could i use it as a cold frame particularly for starting seeds in the spring? I have not ever seen them designed alrge like mine and i was wondering why.

[marythomas]

That sounds like a good idea.... I haven't seen it done in that way before, but it should work. You can always use several windows to cover the bed or create your own out of wood and plexiglass. It would be a good idea to make the windows easy to remove during warmer months to allow the elemnts to purify the soil. A good resource for building cold frames is Four Season Harvest by Elliot Coleman. Good luck! I am curious to hear how it turns out :)

[P.A.Beard]

nice project
If you line the inside with polystyrene sheeting it will stay warmer and keep frost out and use white will make it better for light.
The bigest problem i have i can never make enough :)
http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/cold-frame-insulate/

[marythomas]

Thanks for the information.... great video :)