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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Help with using a Cold frame in MN

12 years ago

I have been reading all I can about extending the growing season on both sides of the year I have specific questions for someone that gardens in west central MN area. I have some materials to build about 5 coldframes for growing some veggies and starting them earlier in the spring my question is after I start them under lights in the house how long do I have to wait before they go into the frames? is it about the last frost or can they go in after they have a few true leaves. if someone has a title of a book or website that covers that I would much appreciate thanks

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Comments (2)

oakhill (zone 9A, Calif.)
12 years ago
Although I am not from west central MN, the basic principles of cold frames are the same everywhere. During the day, the inside temp. will be higher, sometimes much higher,than outside. The night temps. inside will be about the same as outside, especially after midnight without other efforts. So, yes, plant around the last expected frost date, and, when the transplants have 3 true leaves.

Here is a link that might be useful: cold frames
Slimy_Okra
12 years ago
Depends on the crop. If they are cool-season crops, they are hardy to frost if hardened off first. Once they have 2 true leaves, start exposing them to temperatures near freezing (32 to 36 degrees) for a week and then they can go into the cold frame. Most will be hardy to temperatures down to 25 degrees but a few really hardy crops like kale, spinach and mache will tolerate the teens if it warms up at least into the 40s during the day.
If it's a warm-season crop, wait until last frost because the frost protection effects are unpredictable. Use a thermometer in your cold frame to get an idea of how much warmth it stores at night.
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