Tuesday, February 19, 2019

How To Build A Cold Frame

You know I've been all about the early spring garden chores lately....despite the fact that we got another few inches of snow yesterday. 

That doesn't stop me, though...there are things I can be doing at this time of year to get prepared for the busy gardening season ahead. 

One of the things I've already begun is seed starting. The Pansies are nearly all sprouted, the Snapdragons are a close second, but nothing from the Cleome yet. Perhaps they just take longer to germinate....I'll keep you posted. 

Anyway, since I'm starting additional seeds indoors this year, I'm already thinking ahead to the time when those seedlings will need to be hardened off. 


My typical process for starting seeds is to begin the process in the utility room, on my workbench, with grow lights. It's toasty and warm in there, the perfect temps to get those seeds sprouting.


I can fit four trays on my workbench at one time. Each tray holds 3 1/2 six-packs of Cow Pots, totaling 21 plants per tray. 4 trays on the workbench = 84 plants at a time.  


When the first tray of plants are stronger, I move them out of the utility room to a second grow light placed on a folding table in the family room. 


Unfortunately this year my family room is a disaster, so I may need to find another space for that table. but you can bet it will happen!


Once there's room in the utility room, I start another batch of seeds in there, and so on, and so on. 

At some point the Geraniums that I overwintered will need to be potted up and brought back to life....they need space under the grow lights also. 

(Note to self, buy another grow light....)


When the weather begins to warm and the days are in the 50's or higher, I start to bring the trays outside onto the deck to begin to harden them off

I carry them outside in the mornings, and back inside in the evenings, where they spend the night on my kitchen counter. 


Sure, it's a lot of work, but starting my own seeds saves a ton of money each spring! 

This year it would be nice to have a cold frame where instead of carrying all of them back inside, at least some of them can spend the nights under protection outside. 

So that's my grand master plan. Aren't you glad you stuck around? 


When I had the windows replaced in my house I had my contractor put aside a couple of the old windows to make a cold frame. It didn't happen that season....or the next.....or even the next! But believe it or not I'll be in my little house 4 years this spring, and perhaps this is the season I finally get that cold frame built.

I've been doing some research on the best way to go about it. I'm not that handy with wood and power tools, so Sweetie will definitely need to be involved. Sweetie, get ready! 

I'm pretty sure I saved 2 windows for this purpose, but maybe I have 3....I'll have to wait until the snow melts a little so I can open the door to the shed and find out. 

 
Meanwhile, I have been browsing around getting ideas on how best to use those old windows to create the perfect cold frame for my seedlings. 

Ideally the cold frame should face south or southwest. I'm not sure the orientation of my stone patio, but I'm sure Sweetie knows....I think the patio would be the perfect spot for a cold frame. 

I think it should be built with something other than wood, so it can withstand our severe winters better - perhaps Trex decking or a similar product would work well. 

This Old House has what seems to be a pretty straightforward plan, that is if you're a person comfortable with power tools. 

Via This Old House
Sweetie is great with power tools, and he has the analytical mind of an engineer, so no doubt he would take these plans and improve them in some way....but this is a great jumping off point. 

Via DIY Network
DIY Network also has some pretty detailed instructions, and although the end result isn't quite as pretty as the previous, it's still perfectly functional. 

Via Savvy Gardening
Savvy Gardening has a similar plan,  and although both of these are just fine, they are not nearly large enough for what I need.  Of course, it doesn't really matter, Sweetie will adjust any of these plans to suit the windows I put aside for this purpose. 

Via Willowbrook Park
Now THAT'S what I'm talking about - this one's perfect! Wow, I really hope I put aside 3 windows....cross your fingers. This one is featured on Willowbrook Park blog - and it's just the perfect size! Of course if I had two of these or a greenhouse that would be even better, but beggars can't be choosers, right? 

Via Willowbrook Park
Here's another one from the same blog - also awesome!

It's very important to be able to ventilate the cold frame - the windows are open during the day, and closed at night, so they must be hinged at the back. Many sites just use a simple dowel to prop open the windows....and I'm sure my Sweetie will come up with a great plan. 

Someday I will have a greenhouse, that's a dream of mine. Until then, I will continue to find ways each year to increase the amount of plants I start from seed or manage to overwinter. 

I have looked at some of those portable greenhouses, but I'm a little worried they may blow away during one of our mountain storms. I think this is a better plan, until the day I can get a proper greenhouse. 

What about you? Are you starting to plan for spring? 

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37 comments:

  1. I would love to have a greenhouse! Pretty sure I won't ever get one....maybe my next time around....

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    1. I can't even imagine how much fun it would be puttering around in a greenhouse on a winter's day, Penny!

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  2. I giggle everytime I read someone is starting seeds. I started my loofah seeds in January because I thought I read that it takes a long time for them to sprout. haha It took them 2 weeks! They are in little dixie cups in my window seal. They are about a 6 inches tall now and want to climb already but I cant plant them until spring. I do not know what to do. I could put them in a bigger pot but I have no window seals big enough for them to sit in. I dont know why but I think is funny. haha.
    Lisa

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    1. You're so funny, Lisa!! Are you planning on putting them in the ground? When is the last frost date in your area?

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  3. I have one light pink geranium that is in full bloom. I have no idea what it is thinking...?? It just bust out in blooms about a month ago and hasn't let up. I love the cold frames, those are so pretty! I like them all!!--could not pick one. i love seeing your garden preparations...look at all your sweet little BABY PLANTS!!!--love them.

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    1. I'd love to have a geranium in full bloom, Debbi! Mine are all still dormant, I haven't woken them from their winter slumber yet.

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  4. Oh to have a greenhouse!! Here in Iowa I'll need one that can withstand high winds, hail, heavy snow, and the occasional tornado. Any ideas for materials? 😂

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    1. Ooooh we get all that as well, maybe it's just as well I don't have one, Kay! Tornadoes are pretty rare around here, thankfully, but there have been a few random ones here and there through the years!

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  5. What a great post! Cold frames are useful for both starting and overwintering.

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    1. I'm not sure I could overwinter anything in them in my area, Leigh, but perhaps? I would love to give it a try!!

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  6. Debbie, this is great! I've seen these many times in the different places I've lived but never knew what they were called. I just referred to them as that plant box with windows...LOL I love your enthusiasm for gardening and love reading about the love you put into growing your plants. I can't wait to see them, I know they are going to be gorgeous! Love and hugs!

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    1. I wonder what Sweetie thought when he read my post, Benita!! :)

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  7. I like your idea of a cold frame! I have a little greenhouse and it has survived three winters now! It is not a terribly sturdy one but it has held up! It has been so cold here that I have not started any seeds yet, I will probably start in March. It is exciting to look forward to another season of gardening though!

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    1. I have a bunch of seeds started at this point, Marilyn! The peppers, celery, leeks, basil, thyme, parsley, and sweet peas all went in yesterday!

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  8. I can't wait to see what design you choose. These are all really neat. So rewarding and if was able to do this I really would try. You have so inspired me.

    Cindy

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    1. That's a really nice thing to say, Cindy, thank you!!! I could probably manage to put something together myself but it wouldn't look like any of the pictures I shared, that's for sure! Sweetie will do a much better job!

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  9. Debbie, I love that you are such a garden planner. I hope Sweetie gets your project finished for you, I can’t wait to see it!

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    1. I can't wait to see it either, Pam!! I kind of sprung this on him via blog post, ha ha, but he's always great about helping me with projects around my house!

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  10. We are hoping to get our new vegetable garden started this year, but don't know if we will have time to do much, since we are still trying to build our new home. I have heard that many people can grow year-round with cold frames, especially lettuce, kale, spinach, etc., and I would like to try this. Thank you for all the pictures! Now, I need to be on the lookout for discarded windows!

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    1. I'm sure you can find some at those re-store shops, Vickie - I might just have to head there for a few more, after I see how the first cold frame comes together! Wouldn't it be lovely to have a greenhouse built out of old windows and French doors?

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    2. Oh yes! I have seen some really dreamy greenhouses online made from old windows and french doors, but I'm sure it's a lot harder to make than it looks! Maybe some day my husband and I can tackle it. Here's to a great gardening season...cheers!

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  11. You're just going to town on this gardening aren't you? You make so many improvements every year. So happy for you that you have your nice mountaintop home.
    Brenda

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    1. I just placed an order for a bunch more seeds, Brenda - I think I might be going a little crazy, ha ha!! But seeds are just SOOOO much cheaper than buying the plants outright - I'm having fun experimenting with them!

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  12. This is so cool Deb how much you put into your garden and flowers. You are a true gardener. I hope you can get Sweetie to make your windows into the growing box. Sounds like lots of work put it will pay off when you can plant them all outdoors and see them flourish. I love my flowers in the summer months and I know how expensive flowers are getting to be. Good luck with your seedlings.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thanks, Kris!! With the amount of gardening I do, every penny I can save is huge! I already start all our veggies from seed, but this year I'm trying a few more flowers to see how I do!

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  13. Those are nice, Debbie! I can see those being used for display cases too (with a bottom piece attached).

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    1. Definitely, Rita, they would be great for your business!!

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  14. Glad you have your Sweetie and his power tool skills - a winning combination with your ideas and research!

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    1. He probably cringes when he reads my blog posts, Sue, at the thought of yet another project around my house!

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  15. A greenhouse is a dream, but those cold frames are really charming!

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    1. It sure is, Magali, it's been a dream of mine for as long as I've been gardening, which is about 30 years now!

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  16. You are doing a terrific job again! Impressive!

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    1. Those seedling pics are from last year, Bernideen - I've started some seeds already but they are TEENY!!

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  17. Super interesting post, Debbie. What a lot of work to get your garden ready for spring. Do the girls help with the process? I'm thrilled you shared this on Homestyle Gathering... hope we see you each week!

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    1. I only have one daughter still at home, Julie - she helps with spring cleanup sometimes but for the most part this is my passion, not hers!

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  18. My aunt's neighbor used to have one on the property line and, as kids, we were always drawn to it. We couldn't wait to run over and see what was growing inside. So many great memories...

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    1. Did you actually recognize the plants inside, Kim? I wouldn't have known one plant from another as a kid!

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