Tag Archives: Cold Frame

Still No Killing Frost

One morning a few weeks ago there was a touch of frost on the car windows yet the plants are still holding with peppers, raspberries and what is left of the tomatoes still on the vine. Our average frost date was a little over 2 weeks ago and they are calling for a high near 70 today. I am starting to wonder if Thanksgiving will be too early to plant the garlic and shallots this year.

I’ve pulled the first round of radishes for the as of yet unneeded cold frame. The trick is not letting it overheat with only one autovent installed.

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Ready for the cold.

Last weekend I built the ‘lights’ (aka lids) for my cold frame. I covered them in 6 mil plastic to keep the weight down. I installed the Univent automatic opener and have discovered that I will definately need a second one of these for the other side at least during the fall and spring seasons. The manufacturer recommends removing the plunger part during the winter (and summer) which isn’t a problem as is it screws right out. There is also a quick release mechanism to allow me to open the lid up fully if necessary. The temps have been so warm I am going to remove the lids altogether tomorrow. I bought hinges with removable pins so this would be a snap. I also picked up a used copy of Eliot Coleman’s Four Season Harvest via Amazon. Bring on the cold.