Cheap Cold Frames: The Affordable Way to Extend Your Growing Season
As a gardener, you know that extending the growing season can be a challenge. However, with the help of cold frames, you can start gardening earlier in the spring and extend your harvest later into the fall without breaking the bank. In this article, we will delve into what cold frames are, how they work, and how you can create cheap cold frames on your own.
What are Cold Frames?
Cold frames are simple structures that act as miniature greenhouses. They consist of a frame made of wood, PVC pipes or bricks and a clear top made of plastic, glass or polycarbonate sheets. They are designed to create a warm environment for seedlings, young plants, and tender vegetables by trapping heat and blocking wind and rain.
Cold frames are typically placed on the ground and oriented towards the south to maximize sun exposure. They can also be placed against a wall or fence to provide additional insulation. The temperature inside a cold frame can be regulated by opening or closing the lid or adding insulation such as hay bales or blankets.
How Do Cold Frames Work?
Cold frames work by capturing and storing the sun's energy during the day, which is then released at night to keep plants warm. The clear top allows sunlight to pass through while trapping heat, creating a microclimate inside the frame that is several degrees warmer than the outside air. In addition, the sides and bottom of the frame act as insulation, preventing heat loss and protecting plants from wind and frost.
Cold frames are ideal for starting seedlings, hardening off transplants, growing cool-season crops such as lettuce, spinach, and kale, and overwintering hardy herbs and perennials. They are also great for extending the growing season of warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants by several weeks or even months, depending on your location and climate.
How to Build Cheap Cold Frames
Cold frames can be expensive if you buy them pre-made or hire someone to build them for you. However, if you're handy with tools and have some basic DIY skills, you can build your own cold frames for a fraction of the cost. Here are some ideas for building cheap cold frames:
1. Salvage Old Windows
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to build a cold frame is to use old windows or storm doors. You can often find them for free or for a low cost at salvage yards or on online classifieds. Simply build a frame out of scrap lumber, lay it on the ground, and place the windows on top. Use hinges or screws to attach them to the frame, and add a latch or handle to make it easy to open and close. Voila! You have a functional cold frame that costs next to nothing.
2. Use PVC Pipes and Plastic Sheeting
Another inexpensive option is to use PVC pipes and plastic sheeting. PVC pipes are lightweight, affordable, and easy to work with, and plastic sheeting is readily available at hardware stores. To make a cold frame with PVC pipes, simply bend the pipes into an arch shape and secure them to the ground with stakes or rebar. Then, drape the plastic sheeting over the frame and secure it with clips or duct tape. You can also create adjustable lids by attaching PVC pipes to the sides of the frame and running them lengthwise across the top, then covering them with plastic sheeting. This way, you can regulate the temperature inside the frame by opening or closing the lids as needed.
3. Repurpose Old Cabinets or Dressers
If you have an old cabinet, dresser, or bookcase lying around, you can repurpose it into a cold frame. Simply remove the back and shelves, leaving only the frame intact. Then, line the inside with plastic sheeting or foil and add a clear lid made of glass or polycarbonate sheets. You can also add insulation such as foam board or bubble wrap between the frame and the plastic to increase the warmth inside.
Cold frames are a versatile and affordable way to extend your growing season and protect your plants from frost, wind, and pests. By building your own cold frames, you can save money and customize them to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you choose to use salvaged windows, PVC pipes and plastic sheeting, or repurposed furniture, you can create cheap cold frames that will help you grow healthy and abundant crops all year round. Happy gardening!
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