Winter may not be the most logical time to plant produce, but with a cold frame, freshly grown cold crops are easily obtained.
The first step to building your own cold frame is to pick a location. A sunny spot will work best, because it will provide heat for the young plants. Building the frame against an existing building will protect it from harsh winter elements and wind damage. The ideal location would be against your house; but even a barn or garage will do the trick.
Once you pick your location, you may find the materials to build the structure, lying around in a basement or garage. A basic window frame with the glass intact makes the top of the cold frame. If you don’t have one of those, look for a rigid plastic cover or something similarly translucent and sturdy. You will also need heavy-duty hinges, so the frame has the ability to open. Most basic cold frames are made with cement blocks lined up to support the window frame, but you can also make a cold frame completely out of weather resistant wood.
The cold frame will not do its job if there isn’t proper drainage inside of it. Either build the frame on naturally sloped land or slope the frame. By building up the dirt towards the back of the frame, you’ll prevent sitting water that will damage the tender plants.
In order to properly reach and tend to all of the plants in a cold frame, it should have a maximum width of three to four feet. While you are still in the building process, look for a prop – i.e. a brick or block of wood – that will keep the cold frame open on days when the temperature rises above 45°F. Too much sun, with temperatures climbing above 45° F, could fry the plants in a closed cold frame. Just remember to prop the frame open on warmer winter days.
A cold frame is great for seedlings before they are ready to brave the outdoors. It can also be used for cold-weather crops like carrots, spinach, and cabbage. And annual seedlings will benefit from the ability to mature faster outside in the cold frame. Remember the inside of a cold frame will dry out faster than your regular soil, so check the soil in your cold frame to prevent it from getting too dry.
An open cold frame is a welcome feast for deer looking for a tender green treat, so be sure to protect your cold-frame crop with Granular Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent, and take the worry out of a warm winter day. The granular repellent is perfect for low-lying crops and can easily be applied to plants within the cold frame. No sprayer needed, just shake to apply!
