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DIY Cold Frames from Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide
What is a Cold Frame?
A cold frame is like a mini greenhouse. It’s a simple box with a lid that protects plants from the cold wind and creates a warm, sunny environment inside. Cold frames are great for extending the growing season, so you can start planting earlier in the spring and keep your plants growing later into the fall.
Why Use a Cold Frame?
Cold frames are a great way to:
- Extend your growing season by 2-3 months
- Protect your plants from frost and cold weather
- Start seeds earlier in the spring
- Grow vegetables and flowers that need a warm environment
How to Build a Cold Frame from Windows
Building a cold frame from windows is a great way to upcycle old windows and create a sturdy, functional cold frame. Here’s how to do it:
Materials:
- Old windows
- Wooden boards (1×6 or 1×8)
- Steel angles
- ¼-inch hex bolts
- Washers
- Wood screws
- Metal hinges
- Chicken wire or wooden shelves
Instructions:
- Measure and cut the wooden boards. The boards should be long enough to create a frame that is slightly larger than the window. The frame should overlap the window by about ½ inch on all sides.
- Assemble the wooden frame. Use steel angles and hex bolts to join the wooden pieces together. Place washers between the wood and the bolts to prevent the wood from splitting.
- Attach the window to the frame. Use wood screws to attach metal hinges to the underside of the window frame. Then, attach the window to the wooden frame using the hinges.
- Create a sloped lid. The lid of the cold frame should be sloped to allow maximum sunlight to enter. Use a straightedge to draw a line diagonally from the bottom corner of one end to the top corner of the other end. Then, use a jigsaw to cut the angle.
- Attach the hinges to the lid. Use hex bolts to attach the hinges to the wooden frame.
- Add chicken wire or shelves. Chicken wire can be used to support seed flats and keep them above the ground. Wooden shelves can be used for heavier flats.
- Place the cold frame in a sunny location. Your cold frame should be placed in a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
Tips for Using a Cold Frame
- Start seeds early. You can start seeds in your cold frame 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
- Protect your plants from frost. If there is a risk of frost, cover your plants with a blanket or tarp.
- Ventilate your cold frame. It’s important to ventilate your cold frame on warm days to prevent the temperature from getting too high.
- Water your plants regularly. Water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
Conclusion
Building a cold frame from windows is a great way to extend your growing season and protect your plants from the elements. With a little bit of time and effort, you can build a cold frame that will help you grow healthy, thriving plants all year long.
