This winter I had some scrap wood left over from a basement finishing project so decided to attempt to build some cold frames to extend my garden season on two of the four beds. The process simply involved building covers to fit over the top of the beds and then covering them with UV resistant plastic used for greenhouses. Enough plastic to cover the two beds was only 25$ and since I already had the wood, this was the total cost of the project. I’m hoping this will extend the growing season by about two months (hoping to do some planting a month earlier and keep things going a month later) and if so will probably build something longer term next season using PVC.
The frames are split into two 4 foot by 4 foot lengths, 15 inches in height and have been attached to one side of the bed using hinges, which will be removed once the covers are no longer needed. The only mistake I made with the covers was no to angle the tops, as water collects on the plastic and needs to be removed (by lifting the lid) after rainstorms.
For planting information I’ll be following this chart which indicates minimum and preferred soil temperatures for vegetable germination.
My Garden Log Blog 