DIY Cold Frame PDF: Build It Yourself

DIY Cold Frame: Build It Yourself

A cold frame is a simple, inexpensive structure that extends your gardening season by providing a protected environment for seedlings, transplants, and even some hardy vegetables during the cooler months. This DIY guide will walk you through the construction of a basic cold frame, equipping you with the knowledge to create a valuable asset for your garden.

Benefits of a Cold Frame

Cold frames offer numerous benefits to gardeners, including:

• Extended Growing Season: Cold frames allow you to start seeds and grow plants earlier in the spring and later in the fall, effectively extending your growing season.
• Protection from Harsh Conditions: They protect plants from frost, wind, and heavy rain, creating a more controlled environment for optimal growth.
• Warmth and Humidity Control: The glass or plastic cover traps solar heat, creating a warmer environment than the surrounding air. This warmth combined with the enclosed environment helps to retain moisture and prevent excessive drying.
• Seed Starting: Cold frames are ideal for starting seeds indoors, providing a protected environment for seedlings to germinate and grow strong before transplanting outdoors.
• Hardening Off Transplants: Before planting seedlings outdoors, you can harden them off in a cold frame, gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions.
• Overwintering Plants: Some plants can be successfully overwintered in a cold frame, offering a chance to enjoy them longer and protect them from winter's harshness.

Choosing the Right Location

The location of your cold frame is crucial for its success. Select a spot that meets the following criteria:

• Full Sun: A south-facing location with ample sunlight exposure is ideal for maximizing the warmth trapped within the cold frame.
• Level Ground: Ensure the ground is level for stability and to prevent water accumulation. A slight slope towards the south is beneficial for drainage.
• Easy Access: Choose a location that is easily accessible for tending to plants and moving the frame if needed.
• Protection from Wind: Locate the cold frame near a wall, fence, or other windbreak for added protection.

Materials and Tools

To build a basic cold frame, you will need the following materials and tools:

Materials:

• Frame:
  • Wood: Treated lumber (2x4s or 2x6s) or pressure-treated plywood is recommended for durability.
  • Metal: Galvanized steel or aluminum angle iron for a more modern look and potentially longer lifespan.
• Covering:
  • Glass: Single-pane glass panes (e.g., from old windows) or polycarbonate sheets for increased durability and insulation.
  • Plastic: Clear polyethylene sheeting or corrugated plastic for a more budget-friendly option.
• Hardware:
  • Screws or nails for fastening the frame.
  • Hinges (for attaching the lid if using a hinged design).
  • Latch or hook (for securing the lid).
  • Silicone sealant (for sealing gaps around the glass or plastic).
• Optional:
  • Gardening fabric (for shading).
  • Insulation (for additional warmth during colder months).
  • Thermometer (for monitoring the internal temperature).

Tools:

• Saw (for cutting wood or metal)
• Drill with drill bits (for pilot holes and attaching hardware)
• Level (for ensuring the frame is level)
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Screwdriver
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves

Cold Frame Design and Construction

There are various cold frame designs, but the most common types are:

• Hinged Top: This design features a lid that opens on hinges, allowing for easy access and ventilation.
• Sliding Lid: The lid slides open on runners, providing a larger opening for ventilation and plant access.
• Flat Top: A simple design with a flat top, often made of glass or plastic, for maximum sunlight exposure.

Building a Hinged Top Cold Frame

Here's a step-by-step guide to building a simple hinged top cold frame:

1. Cut the Frame Materials:
   • Cut four pieces of lumber for the base, according to your desired dimensions (e.g., 3 feet long, 2 feet wide).
   • Cut four pieces of lumber for the sides, ensuring they are taller than the base (e.g., 1.5 feet high).
   • Cut two pieces of lumber for the lid, which will span the width of the frame.
2. Assemble the Base:
   • Lay the four base pieces on the ground to form a rectangle.
   • Screw or nail them together at the corners, creating a sturdy base.
3. Attach the Sides:
   • Position the side pieces upright against the base, ensuring they are flush with the corners.
   • Screw or nail the side pieces to the base, securing them firmly.
4. Assemble the Lid:
   • Lay the two lid pieces parallel to each other.
   • Attach hinges to the lid pieces, ensuring they are positioned to allow the lid to open smoothly.
5. Attach the Lid to the Frame:
   • Position the lid on top of the frame, aligning the hinges with the frame's edge.
   • Screw or nail the hinges to the frame.
6. Install a Latch or Hook:
   • Attach a latch or hook to the lid and the opposite side of the frame for securing the lid.
7. Install the Covering:
   • If using glass, carefully place the glass panes over the frame, ensuring they are flush with the edges.
   • If using plastic, stretch the sheeting over the frame and secure it with tape or clips.
   • Seal any gaps between the covering and the frame with silicone sealant to prevent drafts.
8. Position the Cold Frame:
   • Choose a sunny location as described earlier.
   • Level the cold frame using shims or blocks if necessary.

Maintaining Your Cold Frame

To ensure your cold frame performs effectively and lasts longer, follow these maintenance practices:

• Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. Open the lid on warm days and close it during cold nights. You can also use shade cloth or garden fabric to reduce sunlight intensity on very hot days.
• Watering: Water your plants as needed, but avoid overwatering. Check the soil moisture regularly.
• Weeding: Remove weeds promptly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Cleaning: Clean the inside and outside of the cold frame periodically to remove debris and prevent mold growth.
• Inspection: Inspect the frame and covering regularly for any damage or wear. Repair or replace damaged components promptly.

Using Your Cold Frame

Once your cold frame is built, you can begin using it for various gardening purposes:

• Starting Seeds: Fill the cold frame with seed starting mix and sow seeds according to their specific requirements.
• Hardening Off Transplants: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in the cold frame for increasing periods of time each day before planting them outdoors.
• Overwintering Plants: Some plants can tolerate cool temperatures and can be overwintered in a cold frame. Provide them with adequate protection from frost and ensure proper ventilation.
• Growing Hardy Vegetables: In mild climates, you can grow some hardy vegetables in a cold frame throughout the winter, including lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes.

By constructing a cold frame, you'll have a valuable addition to your garden, allowing you to extend your growing season, protect plants from harsh conditions, and enjoy fresh produce for a longer time.