Build a Greenhouse Cold Frame - Enjoy your Passion for Gardening Year Round

Agreenhouse cold frame is a transparent enclosure with a roof that is built on the ground. It provides an environment that will protect your plants or allow seeds to mature during seasons that are not pleasant for growing. You do not have to give up your passion for tending to a garden just because extreme cold or extreme heat is on its way. See how to build a raised garden bed.

How does a Greenhouse Cold Frame Actually Work?

The heat from the sun filters through the transparent top of your garden cold frame, which protects the plants from extreme cold temperatures, wind, precipitation and frost.  The transparent top is hinged on the back for easy access to plant and harvest.  The greenhouse cold frame also allows for protection of hot summer months and gives the plants ventilation.

Where is the Best Place to Build a Greenhouse Cold Frame?

Locate a south-facing area that gets a lot of sun and has good drainage, as well as some protection from the wind.  This is just the ideal area.  Some people have built garden cold frames in shady areas.  It all depends on the type of plants you intend to grow.

Materials:

• Cypress, Cedar OR any type of non-treated wood
• Glass from an old window frame OR Plexiglas
• Heavy Duty Hinges
• Soil made up of:  organic compost, peat moss, or other forms of organic humus
• Thermostat
• Watering can
• Burlap bag or blanket for temperatures below 20 degrees
• Weights 
• Prop

Steps on Building a Greenhouse Cold Frame

1. Find an old window for the top.  
2. Add heavy duty hinges to the window.
3. The dimensions of the garden cold frame will depend upon what you use for the top.  Use non-treated wood that will not decompose.  Three to four feet is an adequate width.  It is important that you do not make the frame too wide where you are not able to reach the plants from the back to weed and harvest.  
4. Your cold frame should be built to fit the window.  
5. The back of the garden cold frame should be higher than the front.
6. Weights should be added to keep the window sashes from blowing open during winter storms.
7. Use a burlap bag or blanket to put over the top when temperatures reach below 20 degrees.
8. A prop should be used to ventilate the garden cold frame during warmer days, when the temperatures reach 45 degrees.
9. Prepare the soil of organic compost, peat moss or other form of organic humus with a depth of 12” – 18”.  Mix it with the existing soil and plant.  Renew this every 1 – 2 years.    

Now you can plant whatever your heart desires and have the opportunity to experience your passion all year long!

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