When can you plant it?

Planting time begins in February - on one condition

In order for a cold frame to keep what the name promises, it is set up in a sunny location facing south. In early spring, solar power alone is not enough to achieve growth-promoting temperatures in the cold frame. Only with the correct filling do you generate a warmth that animates seeds to germinate and young plants to growth. This is how it works:

• Mark the contours of the cold frame at the intended location
• At this point, dig a 50 cm deep pit
• Fill in fresh horse or cow manure up to 20 cm
• Put a mixture of semi-ripe compost and garden soil on top
• Set up and seal the cold frame

The decomposition process in manure generates the desired warmth within 8 to 10 days. In this way, you can sow and plant in the cold frame as early as February. If you limit the filling to compost and garden soil, the time window for the planting season does not open until mid-March, due to the lower heat development.

Not all plants are suitable for growing in the cold frame - tips for choosing

All efforts for a sunny location and one Natural heating come to nothing if the planting plan is not right. Only ornamental and useful plants that thrive at low temperatures are suitable for cultivation in the cold frame. The following overview names the most popular candidates:

• February: lettuce, radishes, kohlrabi, cress and early carrots
• March / April: Prepare cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers for later planting
• September / October: endive, lamb's lettuce, postelein, leek

You can sow late varieties of radishes and winter spinach in the cold frame until mid-October. It's also not too late in autumn for fast-growing salads like 'Gelber Runder'.