TheGarden cold frameis a really great alternative to the greenhouse. Maybe you remember it from grandma’s time. They are a great way to help your plants overwinter and extend the time they can grow fruit and vegetables. This means you can start planting your plants before the start of spring and even after the end of autumnVegetable bedsstart. You can easily build such a garden cold frame yourself. Old materials such as bricks, wooden boards and beams or an old window are suitable for this and can be perfectly reused. In the building and garden center you can also find practical building equipment with which you can build your own garden cold frame. However, if you don't have the desire or time to build such a cold frame yourself, you can of course simply buy it ready-made from a specialist.
Garden cold frame for vegetables
If you want to use the garden cold frame to grow your plants, don't forget that there are also varieties that don't like being transplanted after a certain amount of time. This includes, among other things, root vegetables such as carrots andBeets. These should therefore preferably be sown straight away in the garden.
Embed the garden cold frame in the ground
Green vegetables such as rocket, cabbage and chard, which are all rich in nutrients and vitamins, are particularly suitable. You can plant these in the garden cold frame every few weeks as soon as the soil temperature is above 10 degrees. You can check the temperature with a soil thermometer. The success of growing your vegetables also depends on this temperature. Depending on the region, you can start sowing as early as January. If the ground is still too cold, repeat the measurement every two weeks until this happens.
Chard and mesclun for the garden cold frame
Chard is a type of lettuce that thrives and grows even in the cooler seasons. That's why chard is also perfect for the garden cold frame. Before sowing the seeds, let them soften in water and prepare loose soil mixed with compost. The seeds will begin to germinate within the first 10 days. When harvesting, it is best to remove the outer leaves first. You can use them to prepare delicious salads and provide your body with important minerals and vitamins. The seedlings of chard have a light and sweet taste.
Garden cold frame with hinged lid
The so-called Mesclun is also a healthy variety that grows quickly. You can easily pull the seedlings grown in the garden cold frame out of the ground and plant them with the early salads in your garden. They can also be divided and transplanted at a later date.
Tips for the garden cold frame
The garden cold frame requires the same attention and care as any other bed you know. The soil must be prepared regularly and irrigation and ventilation must not be forgotten. To keep things tidy, label the plants and don't forget to transplant them on time.
Label plants in the cold frame garden
If you use a collapsible garden cold frame that you keep open during the day, don't forget to close it in the evening. Otherwise, you risk the young plants freezing. After all, they are even more sensitive. However, you should keep this cold frame open during the day, otherwise the heat can cause them to die, especially on sunny days.
Cold frame made from straw bales
Cover the cold frame with foil
You can sow more vegetables in August and September. This way you can extend the season. However, leave the garden cold frame open or lift it with the help of a support. You only have to close the bed when the frost season begins.
A vintage style garden cold frame
Permanent brick cold frame with window as a lid
