Step-by-step instructions with tips and tricks

Kits from specialist dealers

These are available in a wide variety of designs and sizes. The simplest models consist of a steel frame that is covered with a film. However, they are difficult to ventilate at higher temperatures and are therefore more suitable if you have the Cold frame culture want to try it out first.

Ready-made constructions with a flap are better. If you follow the assembly instructions, the small greenhouse is ready for use in less than an hour.

Build your own cold frame

Skilled hobby gardeners can also design the cold frame themselves. A size of 150 by 100 centimeters has proven itself. This offers sufficient cultivation area and you can easily reach all parts of the cold frame.

Material list

• Wooden planks or pressure-impregnated boards for the frame, tailored to the planned width and length.
• Square boards
• Styrofoam sheets, 2 centimeters thick
• Screws and hinges
• Emery paper
• old windows or a frame construction with double wall sheets
• Cordless screwdriver
• saw

building instructions

Choose a sunny, south-facing spot and align the bed so that the sun falls fully on it. The north edge should be about 15 centimeters higher than the south edge, as more sun rays hit the cover due to the slope.

• Use the wooden planks to build a wooden box without a floor. The planks are screwed firmly to the square boards and the boards on the sides beveled.
• Overcast the Saw edges with emery paper so that no splinters stick out.
• Insulate with the styrofoam sheets.
• The roof consists of old windows. Alternatively, you can build a frame onto which you screw double wall sheets or plant foil.
• It is screwed onto the wooden box with sturdy hinges.

Bricks, which hold the cover in the desired tilted position, are suitable for ventilation. If wind threatens, these serve as a weight.

Put the cold frame into operation

To keep the little plants nice and warm, you need natural heating:

• Dig a pit the size of the bed at the intended location. This should be a spade blade deep.
• Fill in a foot not too wet Horse manure a.
• Over this you put a two finger-wide buffer layer of leaves. Moisten it well so that it can be compacted.
• Cover with a layer of earth eight inches thick, finely sieved.

The decomposition process produces the optimal germination temperature within about ten days. This means you can already in March

• Lettuce,
• Radish,
• Cress,
• early carrots

sowing. The cold frame is also suitable as a preculture for cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.