Build a Cold Frame: Grow Through the Winter

For ambitious gardeners looking to extend their growing season, constructing a cold frame is an exciting project that allows you to harvest fresh greens and root vegetables all winter long. At The Country Barn, we believe in pushing your gardening skills to new heights, and with a cold frame, you can embrace the challenge of growing through the colder months. Here’s how to build your own and start growing cool-weather crops even in the frostiest conditions.

What is a Cold Frame?

A cold frame is a simple, unheated structure that acts as a mini-greenhouse, trapping solar energy and providing protection from cold temperatures. Typically made of a wooden frame with a transparent top—often glass or plastic—it creates a microclimate perfect for extending your growing season. Cold frames are ideal for hardier crops like leafy greens, carrots, and radishes that thrive in cooler conditions.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Wooden planks or bricks for the frame (cedar is an excellent choice due to its durability)
• A clear top (old windows, plexiglass, or polycarbonate work well)
• Hinges for the top
• Soil and compost for planting
• Basic tools like a saw, hammer, and measuring tape

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Cold Frame:

1. Choose the Right Location
   Place your cold frame in a sunny spot with southern exposure to capture the most daylight. Ensure the ground is level for proper installation and drainage.
2. Build the Frame
   Measure the space for your cold frame. You can customize the size, but a common recommendation is around 3 feet by 6 feet. Construct the sides and back wall from sturdy materials like wood or brick. Make the back taller than the front, so the top slants, allowing rain and snow to slide off while maximizing sun exposure.
3. Attach the Clear Cover
   The transparent top is crucial for allowing sunlight to penetrate while protecting plants from frost. Attach your glass or plastic sheet to the frame using hinges, so you can easily prop it open on warmer days for ventilation.
4. Prepare the Soil
   Before planting, ensure the soil inside the cold frame is rich and well-draining. Mix compost into the existing soil to boost nutrients and improve texture. A layer of mulch or straw around your crops can also provide extra insulation.
5. Plant Cold-Hardy Crops
   Focus on vegetables that can handle cold temperatures, such as:
   • Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale
   • Root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and turnips
   • Herbs like parsley and cilantro

Caring for Your Cold Frame Crops:

• Ventilation is Key: While cold frames trap heat, they can also get too warm on sunny days. Open the top slightly to release excess heat and prevent your plants from wilting.
• Monitor the Temperature: Aim to keep the temperature inside your cold frame between 40°F and 65°F. A thermometer can help you keep track, and on especially cold nights, you can insulate your frame with old blankets or straw bales around the sides.
• Water Sparingly: Plants in a cold frame require less water than summer crops. Keep the soil moist, but don’t overwater, as evaporation is slower in winter.

Why Use a Cold Frame?

• Extend Your Growing Season: Cold frames allow you to harvest fresh vegetables well into winter, giving you more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
• Hardier, Healthier Plants: Cold-hardy crops like spinach and carrots actually develop more flavor when exposed to cold temperatures.
• Sustainable, Year-Round Gardening: Growing in winter reduces your reliance on grocery stores and encourages a sustainable, homegrown lifestyle.

Take Your Gardening to the Next Level

Building a cold frame is a great way to challenge yourself as a gardener and enjoy the rewards of fresh produce even when it’s cold outside. Ready to take on winter gardening? Visit The Country Barn for all the materials and advice you need to get started. Whether it’s lumber for your frame or the best organic seeds, we’ve got you covered.

Get Growing Through the Winter!

Stop by The Country Barn today to chat with our gardening experts and shop our wide selection of tools, seeds, and supplies. With a cold frame, your garden’s season is far from over!