how much protection can I get from my cold frame?

19 years ago

Last winter I was able to overwinter a few spinach plants with absolutely no protection from the weather. I just trimmed back the frost bitten leaves and had a nice early crop of fresh spinach. This year I planted spinach in my Dutch Single Frame Cold Frame which measures about 24" by 40". It has hard double walled plastic for walls. I currently have romaine, spinach, and multi variety colored lettuce planted in the frame. I will be able to start pulling leaves for salads on the lettuce in the next few weeks if all goes according to plan. Will I be able to keep the plants going through the winter? Will I be able to have fresh lettuce and spinach from my garden in January when I am home from school on a snow day(I'm a teacher not a kid :)? Would putting water bottles painted black in the frame help keep the lettuce and spinach from freezing? Any other ideas short of putting a heater in the frame?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

swanz
19 years ago
It's estimated that using a coldframe gives you about an extra zone and a half of protection.

Swanz
dethride
19 years ago
I like your idea about the black water containers in the frames. I'm doing the same thing and it seems to help. One way to determine that is to have a Max/Min thermometer and record the results. If you have access to straw bales you can surround the frames for added insulation. I have two frames 80" x 36" with white painted 3/4'" foamboard house insulation on the inside that relects light and has an R value of 3 (?) or so. The spinach is doing well and I've just palnted gobs of radishes and some romaine. I made mine from double insulated patio doors hinged on the high side of sloping cedar frames. I built an metal frame with old cast iron window sash weights that acts as a counter weight for the rather heavy door. I reduced the effort to open them from 35 lbs. down to 8 lbs. One way to add more days to the growing season is to cover them with another layer of protection such as a plastic and frame mini greenhouse. I've got more patio doors and I'm thinking about making a temporary greenhouse structure to cover the coldframes in order to grow my beloved veggies. I would also get another frame going because you'll outgrow that one you have now. More is better when it comes to having successive plantings. Check out Eliott Coleman's FOUR SEASON GARDENING. Tons of inspration and cold frame stuff from a master.
Related Discussions
Untreated Lexan Cold Frame/GH protectant products?
Q
Comments (4)
oldhousefreak, I mentioned in a thread last year that I was going to try a clear coating made by Top Secret; they told me in emails it would work on polycarbonate, and would provide some level of UV protection, although they were not able to specify how much protection. I did order the product, but I'm embarrassed to admit I have yet to apply it; an illness and a house renovation really messed up my plans. At this point, my roof and south panels are so yellowed I know it will no longer be a decent test for the product, so I really muffed my chance to learn much. I did quite a bit of internet research looking for such a product, and found very little. The folks at Top Secret admitted they had no knowledge of anyone using their products on greenhouses, so it's a guess at best as to how truly effective it would be. For what it's worth, the link to the product I have (still sitting in the can) is here: TS-100 1 part epoxy coating Sorry to not be of more help, maybe someone else has made more progress than I have. Sheri
...See More
Do I need to protect my young (mostly tropical) trees from cold?
Q
Comments (7)
Just because you see papayas doesn't mean everything is honky dory. We had a very warm winter last year, which may not represent the winter and growth characteristics for this coming year. And even if they did freeze they can grow back pretty quickly. So much so that even a year old papaya can look pretty impressive. Better to be safe than sorry. I wouldn't worry about the peach as they are deciduous, and many avocados are quite cold hardy if they have Mexican genes in them... although if it's small you probably should protect it too. The others I think will need protection at some point this year. The only thing that's going to save you is very close proximity to large bodies of water, or very close proximity to a lot of concrete. Just being south of Orlando ain't gonna do it. That cold air funnels right down the middle of the state. Be ready to deal with any frost warnings, and take them seriously. After awhile you'll learn what the temperature at your house is relative to the forecast... My house is always 2-3 degrees colder than the low forecast for my city. Frost can form at 36 degrees "air temp" (which is officially taken 3' above ground level, which is always colder than the air). Calm nights are always colder than windy nights. Clear nights are always colder than cloudy nights. Depressions always get colder than hills. Any over hanging branches stop the loss of heat through radiation, so rarely will you get frost under trees. That's the basic premise of covering plants, btw. On real cold nights use c9 Christmas lights under a blanket. It'll keep them good down to the low 20s IME.
...See More
How much cold can my Coconut palm withstand?
Q
Comments (49)
Coconut palms in California are very tricky. Newport beach has one of the best microclimates in the state and a stunted coconut palm grew their for many years but eventually nature got the best of it (I think it was just a bit neglected toward the end of its life). Although Cali is having a warm fall so far El Nino winters can be especially tough since Coconut palms hate cold winter moisture. Don't underestimate them as potted plants. I got mine from Miami beach in 2009 (the coldest June on record here in NYC) and it's only 4 feet tall and healthy 6 and a half years later (still growing out of a coconut and in the original pot). I keep it by a sunny window inside. Around here we're lucky to have one or 2 days a month during the winter warm enough for coconut palms to spend a day outside but in California you might only have to bring it in a few days during the winter. If you grow it outside be prepared to give it some protection. They love lots of water in the summer and minimal water when cold. If you could keep it by the side of your house if it's a place that says dry, that would be just about perfect! Some C-9 christmas lights and a cloth will get it through nights that are a little too close to frost for comfort! Good luck!
...See More
How can I protect my roses from the neighbor's tent caterpillars?
Q
Comments (7)
I have never seen Eastern Tentworm Caterpillars go to the roses so this probably is a moot question, but if it is absoultely necessary the BTK is a good protectant. Sevin is not an organicaly acceptable product and should not be mentioned on an organic forum. The Cornell spray is a fungicide rather than an insecticide and I've not seen it to be effective against aphids or spider mites except if the pressure it is applied with is high enough (should not be) to knock the aphids off the plant although the higher humidity of applying it may discourage the spider mites.
...See More
erlyberd
19 years ago
The key is to have mature plants once the cold weather hits. The mature plants should remain all winter. Just pick them when its above freezing. Use cold hardy greens and carrots.
raisemybeds
19 years ago
Yes - have them mature first. I am learning the hard way that I planted too late, but still I am getting some salad greens etc., and have improved my plans for next year. Coleman's book is helping me too. It is a joy to absorb knowledge from someone who loves their occupation.
BUBL
19 years ago
Any kind of thermal mass helps (water jugs, brick, earth). They heat up slower and cool off slower than the air so the temps get moderated at both ends. That's why you'll see commercial greenhouses w/ large water barrels, usually w/ a couple of planks on top to form a bench. I use water jugs in my CF. On cold nights an old blanket or 2 on top helps. For especially cold nights you could drop a trouble light in there. You'll get 4-5 degrees warmer w/ a 75 watt bulb. Just make sure you run an outdoor rated cord.

how much protection can I get from my cold frame?

Comments (5)

swanz

dethride

Related Discussions

erlyberd

raisemybeds

BUBL

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US