If the thought of enjoying year-round gardening or starting your seeds and hardening them off in a designated space excites you, then building a cold frame is likely on your radar. The good news is that you have options: you can either purchase a pre-assembled one or get creative and DIY it to save some cash.
I’ve curated a collection of plans for constructing your own cold frames, so whether you’re looking to create a bespoke solution or simply want to explore the possibilities, this compilation has got you covered.
The Wooden Cold Frame
For those seeking a classic and cost-effective cold frame solution, this approach offers a straightforward and traditional design. The tutorial provides a clear guide on how to build the wooden frame, allowing you to create a structure that can be easily customized by adding one or two windows to the top. This option should fit seamlessly into any yard style, making it an accessible choice for gardeners of all levels.
The Mobile Cold Frame
When constructing a cold frame, many gardeners overlook the importance of considering its mobility. To address this oversight, our tutorial provides a solution that ensures your structure can be easily relocated when needed. Specifically, we’ll explore the design and construction of a portable cold frame made from wood, featuring plexiglass windows and convenient handles for effortless moving.
Cold Frame Garden Box
One clever approach to building a cold frame involves crafting a structure that integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. In this particular example, the cold frame was constructed directly into the ground, with a gentle slope on one side to facilitate rain and snow runoff. The front of the enclosure features a simple yet effective design, boasting a window that allows warmth to penetrate the box while keeping out harsh weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the rear of the structure is clad in shingles, topped off with a sturdy roof that provides additional protection from the elements. This thoughtful design not only serves its intended purpose as a functional and durable cold frame but also presents an attractive visual appeal.
DIY Cold Frame with an Old Window
Embracing the rustic charm of cold frames, you’ll be thrilled to discover a clever way to achieve this aesthetic without breaking the bank. Instead of investing in a new window or pricey plexiglass, repurpose an old window as the lid for your wooden frame design. This creative hack not only adds a touch of character but also shows your wallet some love by being frugal.
Plastic Cold Frame
For those seeking to create a larger cold frame, this design might be just what you need. Envision a miniature greenhouse specifically crafted for your plants’ benefit, featuring a sturdy wood frame and plastic sides. The innovative lid system allows for seamless access, enabling effortless movement within the structure. By elevating the lids all the way up, you’ll enjoy unhindered navigation and optimal conditions for your plants to thrive.
Straw Bale Cold Frame
When working on a limited budget, consider implementing this clever idea. The aesthetically pleasing presentation of straw bales not only adds visual appeal but also encourages curiosity from fellow gardeners. By repurposing old window panes as the top layer, you can effectively harness and retain heat. This cost-effective hack allows you to keep your plants warm without incurring significant expenses.
Brick Cold Frame
Constructing a cold frame out of bricks is a unique approach that can yield impressive results. While wooden cold frames are common, using bricks as the primary material offers unparalleled durability and longevity. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to build a brick-based cold frame that will withstand the test of time. To enhance its thermal performance, simply add glass windows to the top, allowing natural heat to enter the structure.
With this construction project, you can expect your new cold frame to last for years without requiring replacement or major repairs.
The Pallet Cold Frame
While budget constraints shouldn’t hinder creativity or progress in the garden or homestead, it’s essential to have flexible solutions that cater to diverse financial situations. One such approach is repurposing materials to create functional structures like a cold frame using pallets. Not only do these DIY projects conserve resources by upcycling unused items, but they can also be built on a budget, making them an accessible and practical option for individuals with limited financial means.
Window Cold Frame
The innovative design of this cold frame enables users to navigate it with greater ease compared to traditional ground-level structures. The construction features a wooden framework, but the sides and front are cleverly made from repurposed old windows. This unique approach allows for a range of uses, including hardening off seeds, overwintering trees in containers, and even gardening year-round.
Cold Frame with Polycarbonate Panels
As a proponent of polycarbonate panels, I’m particularly fond of their durability and sleek appearance. These attributes make them an attractive alternative for those seeking a cost-effective and low-maintenance option. For instance, if you’re keen on crafting a wood-framed cold frame but are deterred by the expense or hassle associated with sourcing new windows or scavenging for used ones, polycarbonate panels can be a game-changer.
They offer a practical solution that balances aesthetics with functionality.
The Upcycled Cold Frame
For those on a tight budget, this DIY cold frame is an excellent choice. You might already have the necessary materials lying around your property. The framework consists of old bricks, which are used to build the sides. Once you’ve achieved the desired depth, plastic packaging can be utilized to seal in the heat. This low-cost and functional design makes it a winner among many gardeners.
The Hoop House Cold Frame
In recent years, the popularity of hoop houses has been on the rise, particularly among garden enthusiasts who appreciate their versatility and ease of construction. This innovative design can be applied not only to greenhouses but also to cold frames, as demonstrated in this video that shows how to convert a raised garden bed into a functional hoop house cold frame.
One crucial aspect to consider when building a hoop house is the incorporation of a vent system, which enables plants to breathe freely under the plastic sheeting that covers the structure. This build process is surprisingly straightforward and may even prove more cost-effective compared to other cold frame options discussed elsewhere.
The Raised Cold Frame
For individuals who struggle with back problems and have a passion for gardening, finding a solution that allows them to enjoy their hobby without exacerbating their condition can be challenging. One potential answer lies in the use of a cold frame constructed from old windows, which is elevated off the ground to improve accessibility.
Skylight Cold Frame
Before disposing of old skylights from your home renovation project, consider repurposing them into a functional and cost-effective cold frame. This DIY guide will show you how to upcycle these discarded materials into a valuable tool for extending the growing season. The translucent skylights will continue to allow warmth to filter through, mimicking their original purpose in your ceiling.
Cinderblock Cold Frame
When it comes to creating our raised garden beds, we rely on the versatility of cinderblocks. Their ease of assembly, affordability, and practicality make them an attractive option for many gardeners. In fact, with some creativity, you can repurpose your cinderblock beds into a functional cold frame by incorporating old windows. This DIY approach not only adds a new layer of functionality to your garden but also provides a unique opportunity to upcycle and give old materials a second life.
Plastic Bottle Cold Frame
One budget-friendly option is to repurpose plastic bottles as the side and top of a cold frame. This clever hack helps retain heat, extending the growing season without breaking the bank. By constructing a wood frame, you can create a functional cold frame that’s both affordable and eco-friendly. With 16 DIY options to choose from, finding the perfect one for your garden setup is easier than ever.
Cold frames are an excellent choice for hardening off seeds and providing protection from snow and frost during the cooler seasons, allowing you to grow crops year-round.
