For several years now I have been threatening to build a cold frame. Each year has come and gone without one and it isn’t usually till about late October early November that I realize that once again I have let yet another year pass without this gardening necessity. I promised myself that this year would be the year. I had hoped to have it completed by the first of Sept but a new job, night class and a week of the latest cold/flu to hit the area forced me to wait till this weekend to start.
Yesterday I took a trip to a local hardware store/lumber yard and picked up the circular saw I had also been threatening to buy as well as the lumber for the 4’x8′ frame. My supply list…
lumber
2 – 2″x12″x8′
1 – 2″x8″x8″
8 – 2″x2″x8′ (I may end up needing another one of these)
4 – 3″ hinges with removable pin
nails
2 – 4 1/2′ x 4 1/2′ pieces of plastic
2 – 4 1/2′ x 4 1/2′ pieces of window screen (I’m using 36″ wide screen and overlapping)
auto-opener
paint
So far I have built the frame and attached 2″x2″s around the bottom where it contacts the soil. These can be easily replaced every couple of years as needed. I put it in place but have not painted it or built the lights. I was going to make 3 sections but settled on 2. I’ll cover them with screen while the weather is still warm. This should help keep some pests out.
This week after work I will put it up on blocks and paint it to help with longevity. I didn’t used treated wood so I’ll need something on the wood for protection. I figured I would paint the inside white to help reflect the light. Not sure if I will paint the outside black or stick with white for it too.
Lights? I’ve never heard of using lights with a cold frame. But I also know nothing about cold frames so I will be following the progress of yours with a lot of interest.
Actually the ‘lids’ are called lights. It is an older term, probably called that because they let the light in. Old windows can be used but the weight tends to be a problem with those especially if you want to use one of those automatic openers as they reportedly only lift about 15 lbs. My lights/lids will be made out of 2×2 lumber covered with 6 mil plastic in one or two layers. More layers give more insulation but each layer cuts down on the amt of light reaching the plants so it is a balancing act.