Free Cold Frame Projects & Tutorials

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I mainly use my cold frame to start bedding plants a little earlier than my zone normally allows and they do work like a charm for that purpose. If you’d like to extend your growing season, these are an ideal solution. I’ve been searching online for simple, cheap plans that use recycled materials and are easy to understand, but it’s been a tricky task. A few of these come close since they use old storm windows or glass doors, while others are more advanced projects but still worth a look or two. I’ll be adding new projects to this page as I find them, enjoy!

homeenvy.com

Recycled Window: Made with an old window, cedar fencing, cedar decking and 1×2 cedar. Hinges and a carriage bolt are attached to open and close as you like.

Simple & Cheap: Simple design and made with recycled materials such as a sliding glass door (or any piece of glass) and framed with wood. Simple hand drawn plans available.

doorgarden.com

canadiangardening.com

Modular Box: Made with a salvaged wooden storm window for the top and features booster frames (preferably using cedar) that make it easy to adjust the height of the cold frame.

Quick & Easy: A roomy 32 square feet, this is made with SUNTUF polycarbonate panels and lumber. Top is hinged and frame rises toward the back for taller plants.

civileats.com

doorgarden.com

Plastic Tunnel Frame: Made with polyethylene water pipe, wooden stakes, clear plastic sheet and wood strips. Plastic is stapled to the frame.

With Bench: This one’s pretty neat, the box is raised on four legs and has a shelf on the bottom to hold garden supplies.

ronhazelton.com

sunset.com

Redwood or Cedar Frame: Slopes from front to back to accommodate taller plants and gives a tip to sink the frame about 10″ deep into the ground to increase heat retention.

Knockdown: This one’s designed to be setup and taken apart in minutes so it can be easily stored during the off-season. Simple frame consisting of five pieces.

motherearthnews.com

ourhappyacres.com

Row Cover Topped Frames: These are a simple frame that features handles attached to the side so they can be easily moved. Instead of using glass, row cover material is stapled around the top of the frame.

Ikea Shelf: Made with repurposed Ikea shelving and lined with rigid sheets of styrofoam insulation. Top is protected with plastic sheeting.

plantedathome.com

resene.co.nz

Double Window (pdf): This is from the project page at resene.co.nz.

gardenersworld.com

Also see this DIY Cloche for Seedlings: Garden cloches help protect seedlings from the cold so this is another option for extending the growing season. This easy project wraps a wire hanging basket with filmglaze.

You might also find this article on Fine Gardening interesting: 4 Ways to Use a Cold Frame.