Can I use old windows on top and how deep does one need to be? Should it be placed in direct sun for the winter months? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
For the most part cold frames are built about the same. A windowed top, angled to the sun, hinged so that it can be opened a little or a lot depending on the temperature inside and weather conditions. An old window is a great start. Frames are about 18 inches in the back sloping to 12 inches in the front, the angle accommodates the lower position of the fall/winter/spring sun. Also, the angle sheds the runoff of cool weather storms. Built of decay resistant wood like cedar or cypress (do not use pressure treated wood), cold frames are designed to take advantage of the sun's warming rays. The increased temperatures keep the plants safe from cold temperatures that would otherwise spell their demise. If the winter is really cold, leaf filled burlap bags or hay can be used to provide an extra layer of protection. A remote thermometer can conveniently monitor the internal temperature and indicate when the window should be lifted to vent excess heat or when to provide additional protection against winter cold. Jerry
Good morning Eileen, Jerry & Jewell. Thanks for info it is very informative. The web site was great. I have two more questions: 1. Does a cold frame need to be set down in the ground & if so how deep? 2. I have some large sheets of 2" thick styrofoam. Can I use them to insulated sides and bottom?
Jerry -- your comment re: using leaf filled burlap bags for added warmth... Can you elaborate on that? Do you mean around the edges on the outside?
I built a cold frame last fall with an old window and scrap lumber. I forgot to make the back higher for a slope, but it did nicely anyhow. I used leaves and straw around it for insulation, and it worked okay. On warmer days, I opened it to get my seedlings a drink of water. I have it in the shed to use again this fall. [I didnt want the window to get broken in any storms we might get.]
Daisybeans, yes, around the outside. As the cold arrives and the leaves begin to fall, bags filled with leaves easily conform to the outside of the frame providing insulation against the cold. Jerry
