How to Build an Old-Fashioned Cold Frame

Cold frames are a great way to extend the growing season in cooler areas. They are easy to construct, and easy to keep warm. You can easily grow root crops and salad greens straight through the winter without any problems.

Things You'll Need

• Six 2 inch by 4 inch by 8 foot pieces of wood
• Four 2 inch by 4 inch by 4 foot pieces of wood
• Four 2 inch by 4 inch by 32 inch pieces of wood
• Four 2 inch by 4 inch by 3 foot pieces of wood
• Two 3 foot by 8 foot pieces of plywood or OSB board
• Two 2 foot by 3 foot pieces of plywood or OSB board
• Clear plastic or plexi-glass (plastic is easier to use)
• Wood screws or nails
• Staple gun
• 1/2 inch staples
• Shovel
• Manure
• Soil
• Compost

Instructions

1. The first thing that you need to do is dig a hole in the ground that is 1 foot deep by 22 inches by 80 inches long.

2. Fill the hole with raw manure (horse, cow, goat or chicken are the best to use). The manure will become one of the heating sources for the cold frame. Do not worry -- it will be safe to use in the cold frame.

3. Build two 3 foot by 8 foot rectangles using the 2 inch by 4 inch pieces of wood.

4. Turn the rectangles so that one of the 8 foot sides is flat on the ground. The rest of the rectangle should be standing up off the ground.

5. Brace the rectangle, and repeat the procedure with the second rectangle.

6. Connect the two rectangles with the 2 inch by 4 inch by 32 inch pieces of wood using either the wood screws or 16 penny nails. This will create a box.

7. Place the box over the manure hole. Make sure that the manure hole is located in the center of the box to help keep the heat even.

8. Attach the 3 foot by 3 foot pieces of plywood or OSB board to the short sides of the box with wood screws or 16 penny nails.

9. Attach the 3 foot by 8 foot pieces of plywood or OSB board to the long sides of the box with wood screws or 16 penny nails.

10. Put 6 to 8 inches of compost into the bottom of the box. Keep the layer even.

11. Fill the next 8 inches of the box with rich soil.

12. Use the last 2 inch by 4 inch by 8 foot pieces and the 2 inch by 4 inch by 32 inch pieces to make a rectangle. Make sure you place the 32 inch pieces between the 8 foot pieces as opposed to on the ends, so that the size will be correct.

13. Place the rectangle on top of the box containing the soil, and attach two hinges onto the rectangle and a side of the box. This will form the lid.

14. Stretch a piece of clear plastic across the lid, and staple around it to seal the top. (If you use plexi-glass, place it on top of the lid and attach it using the wood screws. )

15. Do not plant any plants in your cold frame for about 2 weeks. The manure under the cold frame will become very hot for the first few weeks. Once the cold frame has cooled to below 100 degrees, plant your plants or seeds in it.

Resources

• Ezine Articles: Cold Frames Jump Start Your Tomatoes