How to Make A Cold Frame Step-by-Step

Cold frames are fantastically versatile, helping the gardener to cheat the seasons and enjoy more harvests.

With just a few inexpensive and reclaimed materials, a drill, some screws and a screwdriver, it’s straightforward to make your own cold frame to protect plants from the elements.

In this short video we’ll show you how to make a cold frame of your own, simply, cheaply, and with very few DIY skills required. Take your growing up a notch and give it a try!

If you love growing your own food, why not take a look at our online Garden Planner which is available from several major websites and seed suppliers:
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[summerhoffman]

I grew a cold frame this year with my dad, and for school I am doing a non-fiction report on cold frames because my grandparents homeschool me. I love to grow lettuce in it and the buds are already starting to come up. I am so excited!

[markdavis]

I've just rescued 6 sheets of perspex from a skip. My winter project is turning them into 3 cold frames. Thanks for the advice

[pbsjones]

One year I made a cold frame by using leftover potting soil bags filled with compost for the walls and an old glass table top for the lid. Lovely, unfrozen lettuce in the middle of winter!

[ericwhitfield]

Three points I would add. I would have used wood glue to make it with as well as screws. You need to select the right type of wood because pine for example would rot quickly if left outside so applying a water proof varnish to the out side exposed wood will prolong the life of the cold frame, use a hard wood. I think you should have mentioned about securing from strong wind, especially the lids but a good video with useful information. Best wishes.

[jonathanryals]

I made some with shower doors, plastic, and a couple 2x4s. I leaned the short 2x4 pieces against the back of the barn at 45° spaced so the edges of the glass fit on it. I covered the inside with plastic spread and draped over the 2x4s, then filled the bottom with my growing soil (so the glass would rest on it and reach 5he top of the 2x4s). The flats are sprouting super-fast! It was just a couple weeks ago I made it I am sold 100% on the idea.

[progtom]

I made my own coldframe from old scrap wood i had laying around, plus some corrugated polycarbonate sheet. I used corrugated sheet instead of flat as my site is windy and i wanted the sheet to be as strong as possible. Dont forget to get galvanised or stainless screws, they wont rot as quickly.

[captaindingbat]

This is great. We’ve got brand new allotments in the village and we are a bit wary of poly tunnels as it’s a bit breezy sometimes (bottom of an open field) so would rather invest money in these rather than a flimsy tunnel that might not last a harsh winter!

[janicealderson]

We made one over the last 2 days in week after Xmas - great job! Thanks, no salvaged items as not so easy to get anything old in France no skips anywhere and the tip burns everything and won't let you take away but can't wait to get it used it is 130cm long and 70 cm wide.

[HadassahHaman]

Great video!❤ I'm soooo doing this.😊

[andrewgraves]

Consistently great vids! I wish I wasn’t so late to the party - subscribed just recently and here you cover a topic I want…years ago. Keep going.

[Dreadgnot]

I don't use treated wood around plants I'll eat. It's not necessary unless it's buried (at least here in Colorado) and the chemicals can leach out. Cedar or redwood is a better choice IMO.

[jennyfirthcozens]

Does the angle of the top depend on where you are? I’m at 2000 ft in Northumberland!

[lesliekendall]

I'm making 2 cold frames out of a couple wood cabinets (each about the size of a chest) and old windows. If the angle is that important, I'll put some bricks under the back. I suppose I'll also have to make sure the soil is level after placing the bricks. Ah well, what can I say? I'm a girl and would make it out of duct tape if I could. 😆
I'm making them for winter beets, carrots, and turnips.

[HDwoat]

Hi, I was just thinking about building a couple of cold frames and a small greenhouse. I want to reuse some double glazing unit but can’t seem to find any info on wether they would be suitable. I know some units can come with coatings to reduce UV etc. What do you rethink about reusing these units, I thought it would give them a second useful life and avoid them going in a landfill.

[KishercegésGombóc]

Will the air still be warmer at night in this? For example, can I keep my tometo starts in it over night?

[FreddieMercury]

A good idea is to paint the inside of the frame white to help reflect the light. You could just use water based emulsion

[JTvlogs]

If I make one of these I think I'll paint it with Linseed oil!!

[SuperEvilC]

Does it really need to be slanted.
I would like to put some window frames on my flat raised garden beds to start growing a bit early this year.

[myrustygarden]

What’s the difference in functionality with a cold frame and a greenhouse is it just size

[DebRoo]

This is the only way i can grow thinga like spinach and bok choy without it bolting. Our spring weather between freezing cold and too hot is never long enough to harvest before bolting