Cold Frame

[John Mulligan]

Anyone provide basic design reqiurements for a d-i-y-winter cold frame

Choice of materials, features etc

-- John Mulligan

[JoeSpareBedroom]

Time for a trip to your public library, or a google search. Books have already been written. No need for anyone here to write another one.

If you a find a design that involves glass, or using old windows, ***AND*** you have baseball-playing kids on the property, think "plexiglass" or something similar.

[Kay Lancaster]

One that served me well for many years had 2x2 corner posts, scavenged plywood sides, and a 1x1 framed lid fitted with double poly. Painted the outside black and the inside white. Add an automatic vent closer for the lid.

[Father Haskell]

Plastic glazing is more likely to stay in one piece than glass. Recycled materials work as well as new. Protect from freezing overnight. Locating the frame on a southerly side of your house helps. Keep a blanket handy to throw over the sash during overnight cold snaps.

Hay bales are excellent insulation and can be stacked around the cold frame. You can in fact build a cold frame by arranging bales in an open square and laying an old window sash over top.

[Johnny]

I suggest you go to this article about building mini-greenhouses for ideas:

Johnny