Building a simple cold frame

Build a cold frame 

If you want to protect your little plans from cold weather, you should build at least a small cold frame. Use 1x8 or 1x10 boards to build the frame, making sure you cut the side walls at about 15 degrees. In this manner, the sun rays will warm the inside of the cold frame and create a proper climate for the plants. Choose proper cold frame plans from the very beginning, if you want to get the job done quickly.

You could adjust the size of the cold frame according to your needs. Irrespective of your choice, you should use quality materials (cedar, pressure treated lumber, pine or redwood). Build a small frame from 2x2 lumber and attach 1/4'' poly-carbonate sheets to build the lids of the cold frame.

After building the cold frame, you should choose a proper location. Basically, the frame should get enough light for at least 8-10 hours a day, otherwise the plans won't be able to grow properly. Don't forget to ventilate the cold frame in the sunny days, when the interior temperature increases.

Building a basic greenhouse

On the other hand, you could build a small greenhouse, if the right plans and techniques are used. A greenhouse will provide you more space for your plans and therefore you could grow tomatoes and peppers, while in a cold frame you could only grow plans like lettuce or herbs.

In order to build a basic greenhouse, you need to use common materials, such as 2x4 lumber. Build the side walls on a level surface before fitting them into place. In order to join the frames together, we recommend you to drive 3 1/2'' into the adjacent frames.

Basic Greenhouse - Video