The Cold Frame

I decided that this year instead of buying $3.00 transplants for my garden I would try growing my own from seeds. I have in the past grown lettuce, radishes, beets and snow peas from seeds, but have relied on store bought transplants for that extra pre-planting growing time. I don't have anywhere indoors that I could set up a shelves, nor is there any great direct lighting through a window, so I decided that I would build a cold frame.

A cold frame is basically a sloping box with a glass or plexi lid. Historically it was used in conjunction with a greenhouse as a place to put plants to harden off before planting. The temperature in the cold frame is generally 10-15 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature, so my early planting in the cold frame would be protected from the cold night air and any early spring cold fronts that move through the area.

I was using it to grow seedlings for transplanting after the last frost date of mid-April. A friend of mine and my son made the cold frame on a Saturday afternoon in February and I was thrilled to set it up and start sowing. The ideal location for it was a southwestern wall of my house butted up against the foundation for warmth. Placed near the garage door so when I left in the morning I could check on the seeds and water them. Diligently nurturing them daily, they began to sprout. Success or at least the beginning stages.

A month went by, some seeds were growing better than others. Cantaloupe, gourds and zucchini were the early runners, with strong and thick stems. Eggplant, peppers and tomatoes seemed to be little, struggling wisps of green. As the days got warmer, I was sure to vent the top of the box so that the interior of the cold frame did not get to steamy.

Then one morning I went out to water and the cold frame was gone. My seedlings where unprotected and dumped over, dirt spilling out. I was pissed. I had not even taken a picture of it yet since I was waiting for the seedlings to grow a bit more before I blogged about it. Had someone taken it who needed it more than me to grow a garden to feed their family? Was someone just lazy and did not want to build one themselves? Was it some kid who was going to use it to make a window in their fort? That's what my son thought.

Two days later, a cold front moved in with 30 degree weather and chilling winds. I had to bring the plants into the house for 2 days. I have since moved them out into the garden. I put plastic bins over them at night to protect them from the cold night air. Don't know if they will make it to planting, I'll probably end up making a visit to the nursery for transplants, but at least I know that I tried.

Next winter when I build my cold frame again, I am going to put it in the same place and bolt it to the foundation.