Are you an avid gardener looking for a way to extend your growing season? Or perhaps you are a beginner gardener who wants to start sowing seeds earlier in the year. Whatever your gardening goals may be, building a DIY cold frame can help you achieve them. A cold frame is a simple and easy-to-build structure that can protect your plants from the harsh winter conditions and allow you to grow crops all year round.
A cold frame is essentially a raised bed with a transparent roof. It acts as a miniature greenhouse, trapping heat and protecting your plants from frost, wind, and snow. Cold frames are typically made from lightweight materials such as wood or PVC, and they can be easily assembled and disassembled as needed.
To build your own DIY cold frame, you will need a few basic materials. The most important component is the transparent roof, which can be made from glass, plastic, or even an old window. The sides of the cold frame can be made from plywood, 2×4 boards, or even bricks. The height of the cold frame will depend on the size of the plants you want to grow, but a 20 to 30-inch tall frame is usually sufficient.
To assemble the cold frame, begin by building the base using 2×4 boards or bricks. This will provide support and stability for the frame. Next, attach the sides to the base using screws or self-tapping screws. The sides can be made from plywood or 2×4 boards, depending on your preference. Once the sides are in place, attach the transparent roof using hinges, allowing it to open and close like a door.
The transparent roof of the cold frame is important for letting in sunlight and heat, but it can also overheat your plants if left closed during warm seasons. To prevent this, most cold frames feature a hinged or removable top sash that can be propped open to provide ventilation. This allows you to control the temperature inside the cold frame and ensure that your plants stay healthy.
Building a DIY cold frame is a great way to protect your plants and extend your growing season. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, a cold frame can help you grow a wider variety of plants and enjoy fresh produce throughout the year. So why not give it a try and start building your own cold frame today?
20 DIY Cold Frame Plans For Your Winter Garden
If you’re looking to extend your growing season and protect your delicate plants during the colder months, building a cold frame is a great option. Cold frames provide a controlled environment that keeps your plants warm and protects them from harsh weather conditions. Plus, they’re easy to build and can be customized to fit your garden’s needs. Here are 20 DIY cold frame plans to help you get started on creating your own winter garden oasis:
- Brick Cold Frame: This cold frame is made using bricks and glass sheets. It’s a sturdy and long-lasting option that provides excellent insulation for your plants.
- Wooden Cold Frame: Constructed with 2x2s, this wooden cold frame is a simple and cost-effective solution for protecting your plants during the winter.
- PVC Hoop Cold Frame: This hoop-style cold frame is made from PVC pipes and plastic sheeting. It’s lightweight and easy to assemble.
- DIY Glassless Cold Frame: If you’d rather not use glass, you can create a glassless cold frame using polycarbonate or acrylic sheets. This option still provides insulation and protects your plants from the elements.
- Cold Frame Shed: This cold frame is built using a small shed-like structure. It’s perfect for larger gardens and provides ample space for your plants.
- Cold Frame with Automatic Opener: Adding an automatic opener to your cold frame allows for easy temperature control. This video shows you how to install one.
- Cold Frame for Raised Beds: If you have raised beds in your garden, you can easily build a cold frame to fit them. This plan shows you how.
- Pallet Cold Frame: Repurpose old pallets to create a budget-friendly cold frame. It’s a great option for small gardens.
- Mini Cold Frame: This mini cold frame is perfect for starting seeds or growing herbs. It’s small and easy to maintain.
- Insulated Cold Frame: If you live in a location with extremely cold winters, consider building an insulated cold frame. This plan shows you how to ensure maximum insulation.
- Cold Frame with Hinged Door: A hinged door on your cold frame makes accessing your plants easier. This plan provides detailed instructions on how to build one.
- Wood and Metal Cold Frame: This cold frame combines the durability of wood with the strength of metal for a long-lasting and sturdy structure.
- Mesh Cold Frame: Use mesh netting instead of glass or plastic for a breathable and lightweight cold frame.
- Recycled Window Cold Frame: Repurpose old windows and turn them into a functional cold frame. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also adds a unique touch to your garden.
- Stone Cold Frame: Build a cold frame using stone and concrete for a natural and timeless look.
- DIY Cold Frame with Automatic Vent Opener: An automatic vent opener can help regulate the temperature inside your cold frame. This plan shows you how to install one.
- Greenhouse Cold Frame: Combine the benefits of a greenhouse and a cold frame by building a structure that can be used for both purposes. This plan provides the instructions.
- Cold Frame Bench: Create a dual-purpose cold frame by building a bench with a cold frame on top. It’s a space-saving solution for smaller gardens.
- Portable Cold Frame: If you’re looking for a cold frame that can be easily moved around your garden, this plan guides you through building a portable version.
- Cold Frame with Self-Tapping Screws: Use self-tapping screws for easy assembly and construction of your cold frame. This tip helps save time and effort.
No matter what type of cold frame you choose to build, remember to consider the specific needs of your plants, the location where the cold frame will be placed, and the weather conditions in your area. Properly sealing the cold frame, maintaining ventilation, and providing the right amount of insulation are also important factors to keep in mind.
With these 20 DIY cold frame plans, you’ll be able to create a winter garden that not only protects your plants but also allows you to enjoy gardening all year round. Happy planting!
Plastic SheetingSoft Plastic Cold Frames
A free and easy way to begin your DIY cold frame project is by using soft plastic cold frames made from plastic sheeting. Soft plastic cold frames are an affordable option for gardeners who want to create a warm and protected space to grow plants.
To make a soft plastic cold frame, you can pick up a pre-assembled frame at your local garden store or make your own using PVC pipes or wooden battens. The frame should be bottomless, similar to a greenhouse, and have sides that support the plastic sheeting.
To start assembling your soft plastic cold frame, place the frame on a table or any flat surface where you’ll be placing your plants. By doing this, you can easily move the frame to different locations as needed. The plastic sheeting provided with the frame can be made of poly or PVC and acts as insulation to keep the inside of the frame warm.
To attach the plastic sheeting to the frame, you’ll need a drill and some wooden planks. Carefully drill holes into the side of the frame and attach the planks using screws or nails. Make sure to space the planks evenly along the frame for proper support.
Once the planks are in place, lay the plastic sheeting over the frame. The sheeting should be secured to the planks using a sealant or by tucking it into the openings of the frame. Be careful not to tear the sheeting while attaching it to the frame.
If you want to add a window or a sash to your soft plastic cold frame, you can use a drill to make holes in the planks. This will allow you to open and close the window as needed for ventilation or to access your plants.
Depending on your climate, you may also want to add additional insulation to your soft plastic cold frame. This can be done by placing straw or bubble wrap between the plastic sheeting and the frame.
In summary, soft plastic cold frames are an easy-to-build and cost-effective option for creating a warm and protected environment for your plants. Whether you choose to purchase a pre-assembled frame or make your own, using plastic sheeting as insulation can help your plants thrive in colder weather.
Simple Cold Frame
If you’re a gardener looking for an easy-to-build, portable cold frame, you might want to consider a simple design that doesn’t require a lot of materials or equipment. With just a few basic tools like a screwdriver and a saw, you can quickly assemble a simple cold frame from lumber and plastic sheeting.
To start, you’ll need to choose the right materials for your cold frame construction. Instead of using glass or expensive insulation, opt for plastic sheeting instead. This will be less costly and won’t generate as much heat, making it suitable for most plants.
Next, cut the lumber to the desired dimensions for your cold frame. Depending on the size you want, you may need supports for the front and back of the frame. These can be built using old lumber or any other material you have on hand.
Once you have all your materials and supports ready, you can start assembling the frame. Attach the supports to the front and back of the frame using screws or nails. Make sure they are securely mounted to provide stability for the structure.
After the frame is assembled, you can attach the plastic sheeting to cover the frame. Cut the plastic to size and use staples or nails to secure it to the frame. Make sure the plastic sheeting is pulled tight and sealed all around to keep the inside of the cold frame warm and protected from the elements.
To create an easy access door, you can use an old window or build one from scratch using more lumber and plastic sheeting. Attach the door to the frame using hinges so that it can be opened and closed easily for daily planting or maintenance.
With your simple cold frame built and sealed, you’ll have a sleek and effective tool for extending your growing season and protecting your plants. Follow these simple instructions to create your own DIY cold frame and enjoy the benefits of a greenhouse-like environment without the cost and complexity of traditional greenhouses.
