If you’re a gardener, you know how important it is to have the right tools to help your plants thrive. One of the best tools for extending your growing season is a cold frame. A cold frame is a simple structure that traps heat and protects plants from harsh weather conditions. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best cold frames on the market and what makes them stand out. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right cold frame for your needs.
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What is a Cold Frame?
Before we dive into the best cold frames on the market, it’s important to understand what a cold frame is and how it works. A cold frame is a small, unheated greenhouse that’s used to extend the growing season. It’s typically a low, box-shaped structure that’s made of wood, metal, or PVC, and covered with a transparent material, such as glass or plastic.
The transparent cover of a cold frame allows sunlight to enter and heat to build up inside. This creates a warm, protected environment for plants to grow in, even in cold weather. Cold frames are especially useful for starting seedlings early in the season or protecting plants from frost later in the year.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cold Frame
When it comes to choosing a cold frame, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Size
The size of your cold frame will depend on how much space you have and what you want to grow. If you’re only planning to start a few seedlings, a small cold frame will do. However, if you want to grow larger plants, you’ll need a larger cold frame.
Material
Cold frames can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and PVC. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages:
Glass cold frames tend to be the most expensive, but they are fragile, as glass can easily break. However, they let in more light than other materials.
Polycarbonate panes are cheaper than glass and longer lasting but they don’t allow in as much light.
Wood is attractive and durable, but quality product can be expensive. Wooden cold frames tend to provide regular temperatures and are strong and sturdy. Unfortunately, the wooden frame will need some regular maintenance to prolong its life.
Aluminium cold frames are light and long-lasting, but may be expensive.
PVC is affordable and lightweight but can be less durable than other materials.
Cover Material
The cover material of a cold frame is what traps heat and protects plants from the elements. Common cover materials include glass, polycarbonate, and plastic film. Glass is the most durable but also the most expensive. Polycarbonate is strong and lightweight but can scratch easily. Plastic film is affordable and easy to replace but may not last as long as other materials.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important for preventing heat build-up and allowing air to circulate. Look for a cold frame with adjustable vents or windows that can be opened and closed as needed.
What is the difference between a cold frame and a greenhouse?
While both cold frames and greenhouses are structures used for plant cultivation, they differ in several ways. The primary difference between a cold frame and a greenhouse is that a cold frame is typically smaller and does not use a heat source to maintain warmth, while a greenhouse is a larger structure with heating and ventilation systems that allow for a year-round controllable climate.
Cold frames are usually placed directly on the ground and rely on the sun’s natural warmth to create a warm environment for plants. They can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or plastic, and typically have a hinged lid that can be propped open for ventilation. They are great for extending the growing season and protecting plants from harsh weather conditions, but are not suitable for year-round plant cultivation.
Greenhouses, on the other hand, are much larger and offer a controlled environment for year-round plant cultivation. They typically have heating and ventilation systems that allow growers to regulate temperature and humidity levels, and can be made of materials such as glass or polycarbonate. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small backyard hobby greenhouses to large commercial structures.
In addition to providing a controlled environment for year-round cultivation, greenhouses offer several other benefits. They protect plants from pests and diseases, allow for earlier planting and later harvesting, and provide a comfortable working environment for gardeners. However, they can be expensive to construct and maintain, and require a significant amount of energy to operate.
Overall, both cold frames and greenhouses have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when deciding which structure is right for you.
Best Cold Frames on the Market
Now that we’ve covered the basics of cold frames and what to look for, let’s take a look at some of the best value for money cold frames on the market:
COSTWAY Outdoor Wooden Cold Frame
- Great sunlight exposure – equipped with transparent and durable PC board, this wooden garden cold frame greenhouse ensures your plants to absorb the maximum light to achieve the best plant photosynthesis. And the flat design allows plants to get even sunlight.
- Good Ventilation System – featuring 4 flexible supporting rods, the top of this wooden cold frame can be easily opened or closed according to different situations. Hence, you could open it on sunny days to let your plants absorb the sunlight and close it on rainy days to keep them away from the rain.
- Sturdy Lightweight Construction – made of solid fir wood with odourless paint, however this is a lightweight construction. In addition, the clear PC board is convenient for you to observe vegetables and flowers for better care. And the lightweight design is easy to move.
- Frame dimensions: 90 x 85 x 59cm
- Easy Installation -with detailed and easy-to-understand instruction, the assembly of this garden cold frame is quite easy. And the smooth surface is easy to clean for great convenience.
Thanks to its practical and simple design, COSTWAY Outdoor Wooden Cold Frame will be an eye-catching addition to your balcony, backyard, garden and other places. This cold frame is very reasonably priced might even be placed on top of your garden raised bed.
Woodside Outdoor Wooden Cold Frame
Plant Flower Vegetable Cold Frame Growhouse
- WOODEN COLD FRAME – The Woodside Wooden Cold Frame is perfect for growing small, ornamental and vegetable plants that require protection from weather conditions and pests.
- PROTECTIVE – The design protects the contents from rain, wind, snow, frost, animals and pests etc, whilst the translucent panels allow the plants to still receive the right amount of sunlight.
- EASY ASSEMBLY – Quick and easy to set up, this is a straightforward item to use.
- FUNCTIONAL – This item has been constructed to be strong and sturdy with a hinged lid which allows for easy access when required and helps provide ventilation when necessary.
- SPECIFICATIONS – Size: L: 100cm x W: 65cm x H: 40cm. Colour: Brown. Material: Fir wood frame with PC panels.
Woodside Outdoor Wooden Cold Frame has a simple and lightweight design (2kg) allowing good protection for your plants. It’s normally delivered as a flatpack but the assemble is easy.
Woodside Outdoor Wooden Cold Frame Cupboard
- WOODEN GROWHOUSE – The Woodside Wooden Grow house is perfect for growing small, ornamental and vegetable plants that require protection from weather conditions and pests.
- PROTECTIVE – The design protects the contents from rain, wind, snow, frost, animals and pests etc, whilst the translucent panels allow the plants to still receive the right amount of sunlight.
- EASY ASSEMBLY – Quick and easy to set up, this is a straightforward item to use with double doors allowing full access to the storage area.
- FUNCTIONAL – This item has been constructed to be strong and sturdy with a hinged lid which allows for easy access when required and helps provide ventilation when necessary.
- SPECIFICATIONS – Size: L: 76cm x W: 57cm x H: 110cm. Item Weight: 5 kg. Colour: Wooden brown. Material: Fir wood.
Woodside Outdoor Wooden Cold Frame Cupboard is very practical and exceptionally convenient. The robust hinges on the front and top doors make it easy to access your plants within. You can also use this to ventilate and air out the plants when the weather is stable or re-organise them to your liking.
Improve the growth of your plants regardless of the climate and protect them against the frustrating effects of frost during winter with this gardening-enthusiast essential.
FAQs
Can I use a cold frame in the winter?
Yes, you can use a cold frame in the winter to protect your plants from frost and cold temperatures.
2. How do I care for my cold frame?
Clean your cold frame regularly and ensure that it’s properly ventilated. Replace any damaged or worn-out cover materials as needed.
3. Can I make my own cold frame?
Yes, you can make your own cold frame using materials such as wood, metal, or PVC.
4. How long will a cold frame last?
The lifespan of a cold frame will depend on the quality of the materials and how well it’s maintained. With proper care, a cold frame can last for several years.
5. Can I install a heating in my cold frame?
Yes, it is possible to install heating in a cold frame to extend the growing season even further. There are several options for heating a cold frame, including electric or heated mats, or even solar-powered systems, (for a small cold frame we recommend electric tube heater). However, it’s important to note that adding a heat source to a cold frame will increase the cost and may require additional ventilation to prevent overheating. It’s also important to monitor the temperature closely to ensure that it stays within a suitable range for the plants being grown.
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