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COLD FRAME ADVICE PLEASE Hi all and a very happy easter Monday

jvt

By Jvt

Warwickshire, United Kingdom Gb

COLD FRAME ADVICE PLEASE

Hi all and a very happy easter Monday. I would like to build a cold frame.
I have a couple of double glazed refrigerator doors which I salvaged from the tip
I would like to know if I need to site the open bottom on anything in particular which may improve the heat inside?
The attached picture is just what I'm doing in the meantime, I hope Le make a timber frame. Thank you



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Answers

 

My cold frames are on gravel - helps with drainage, though that has its disadvantages at times as plants dry out, esp in cells.

You can chose to have the coldframe open and use the ground underneath or to enclose it. Having a floor means less pests get inside - slugs and thrips and caterpillars can crawl in otherwise.

2 Apr, 2013

jvt
Jvt
 

Thanks Kildermorie, that's very useful. Approx what height is the back compared to the front please?

2 Apr, 2013

 

My coldframe is from a kit and the height is uniform, with the lid having a slope of 1 inch to half inch moving down. I can fit a 30cm tall plant inside the coldframe if that helps (it is a good size to have over winter in the frame)

Condensation can build up, which causes botrytis to get hold, so you need to build in ventilation - a block of wood holding the lid open is enough, but with a heavy door you might need a stronger metal hinge or wedge.

3 Apr, 2013

 

When I make a cold frame, I usually make them between 8 & 10" deep at the front, sloping to about 15 -20" at the back, this means you can have taller plants at the back, shorter ones at the front, just as you would in a border, try and site it facing south, as this gives you the longest hours of sun, Derek.

3 Apr, 2013

How do I say thanks?

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