And then there were three

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Our third and final cold frame (who am I kidding – I still have a couple of spots that I want to extend the garden season.

The first cold frame Rick built had three windows; the second has two plus a small one; and the third, this one, has one window plus a small one.

The small window has the automatic window opener on it, to work as a vent when needed. (Thanks to Lee Valley for these.) in a video somewhere I did see a style of window openers that clips on/off so you can completely open the window. Info wish these had that option so that I would have full access but we will figure it out.

Lumber + recycled windows

In this photo, there is paper on top of the small window because I transplanted some seedlings into it and I needed to create some shade for the little plants until they used to being outdoors.

Now to cross my fingers and think about how I can maximize their use … this will a learning curve that never stops.

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

13 Comments

These are great ideas for your area. Just getting into gardening but I think my climate is not as harsh as yours, besides I’m trying hydroponics.

woodworking classes, custom furniture maker

I watched a video re: using barrels for the hydroponics… it was quite interesting.

I’m in Zone 5b or 6a

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

Debbie,

You’re really going great guns on these! You should have plenty of fresh produce.

Any chance you could show a link to the automatic window opener?

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

Thanks Debbie.

L/W

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin

No problem ..
I look forward to seeing how you use it

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

Is it my imagination, or each new unit is larger than its predecessor? The varied designs should give you some indications as to the strengths and weakness of each design, and how to compensate next year. I showed my wife the previous two. We wish we had the right conditions here to do the same.

In a week or two we should no longer be experiencing overnight freezing temps and can move our seedlings into the greenhouse. However, it looks like we are not going to have a great growing season. Crossing fingers and toes.

@retired_guru_tech … you are correct in that each cold frame is different.
CF #1 is three windows wide.
CF#2 is two windows plus a small one
CF#3 is one window plus a small one.

They are all built to the same plans, just different lengths.
They, also, have different weather conditions.

  1. gets full sun for most of the day.
  2. is pretty shaded and has a small window of sunlight.
  3. gets the same sunlight exposure as #1 except that it sits beneath a bush that will give it shade once the leaves appear.

I have purchased three thermometers that will measure the high/lows of the day but haven’t gotten them in yet.
Tonight and tomorrow night are supposed to be freezing temps
So it will be a good test. One of the thermometers will be going under a row cover that I am also using for the first time.
Let the experiment begin!!

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

This is great! I look forward to seeing your results.

me, too, RGT .. me too !!!!
Crossing lots of fingers that everything survives the freeze and that my “season extenders” make a difference.

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

Here is my little experiment that I did with my season extenders: "": https://www.facebook.com/groups/205089057306063/permalink/264720451342923/

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit

I love these things.

Now to really twist your brain, think about making them vertical for a tower garden. ?

I watched a bunch of videos on how to make them today. I think I want to try it. Next I’ll need a vertical greenhouse.

Losing fingers since 1969

Interesting that you say that.
I used to have a metal-frame, shelving greenhouse with a plastic cover. After many years of use, the plastic ended up in the garbage.

I just found a replacement plastic on amazon and was really excited until I found out that “somebody” through out the frame/shelving.

So, now, SOMEBODY has to build me a new shelving greenhouse. The great thing about the metal frame one was that I could set it up in the house, wheel it around, and then take it all outside when the weather got nice!!

Toxins Out, Nature In - body/mind/spirit