Cold Frames

Description
Cold frames are used primarily to head start cool weather plants, such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli, pansies, etc. Cold frames are basically boxes with no bottoms and clear covers. These boxes contain either soil or pots for growing seedlings prior to the normal time that they could be planted in the field, thus producing an earlier crop and extending the growing season.


Floating Row Covers Cold frames are usually positioned against the south side of the house for protection and to receive maximum light from the winter sun. Supplemental heat can be provided using heat tape where temperatures drop below what is required for cold frames.  Cold weather crops can also be protected by covering long rows of plants in the field with temporary plastic covers. There are also plastic covers that can be used on individual plants, such as tomato plants.

  Solar Bells, set of 3                    




Homemade Cold Frames

Cold frames can be constructed using new or used treated lumber cut to size for the enclosure and covered by plastic or glass. The glass can either be purchased or salvaged from discarded windows, storm windows or even storm doors. Regardless of the type of cold frame materials used, bottom drainage is extremely important in order not to drown the plants. So you should be sure to use good soil to allow for proper drainage. Also, cold frames must be constructed with adequate height in order to prevent stunting and allow plants to grow to full height prior to transplanting.

Prefabricated Cold Frames
  There are a variety of prefabricated cold frames available to home gardeners, which are supplied in kit form and are easily assembled. The advantages over homemade cold frames are ease of assembly, typically hinged lids and a guarantee.

     

                                                                                                                               

 

Cold frames can be an inexpensive way to start your plants early and also extend your growing season.