While the rest of the garden is coming to a close the cold frame is just getting started. We are still probably 2-3 weeks away from our first frost but the garden plants are winding down as the days shorten and the nights cool off. Everything I planted in the cold frame a couple of weeks ago is up and growing strong. I dug up the other side, incorporating a little manure/humus mix into the soil today. I will probably plant some more radishes and spinach in there this afternoon or tomorrow. In a week or two I should have some good sized lettuce transplants from the basement. I still need to build the lights (lids).
These green onions may or may not do anything going in this late but as with everything else I never know till I try.
I read that the sweet potatoes are to be dug just prior to the first frost. I’ve never grown them and if we even get a couple of sweet potatoes off each of the 30 plants I planted that will be more than enough for us for the winter.
What fun! How does the coldframe stay warm at night?
Right now it doesn’t. But…when I get the two lids (they are called lights) built they will help keep the soild inside a few degrees warmer than the surrounding soil. I have an automatic venter thingy for one side that will open the light when the temps inside get to a predetermined temperature. This should help keep the 4’x8′ box from overheating, a common problem with cold frames. The lights will consist of a frame of 2×2 lumber covered in clear, 6 mil plastic. I am toying with the idea of a double layer though I have to balance light with temps. This is all an experiment for me as I’ve never used a cold frame before but have wanted to try it for years.