[Salmo]

I am looking to make or purchase a polycarbonate glazed cold frame which will be used mainly for hardening off.

What are the pros and cons of glazed or solid wooden sides?

[plopleuk]

i would think glazed would let in more light so will get hotter and benefit the plants.
but also could be colder when its cold out.
also wooden sides could get the plants growing to the light.
im looking to make one soon so am pondering the same question

[JayG]

I think plopleuk's thoughts are very valid, although I suppose the frost risk would have decreased if you were using it for hardening off.

I would guess that twin-walled polycarbonate must have at least some double-glazing properties so you would probably get the best of both worlds (light and warmth) by making an all-glazed cold frame.

[Aunt Sally]

I am looking to make or purchase a polycarbonate glazed cold frame which will be used mainly for hardening off.

What are the pros and cons of glazed or solid wooden sides?

I'm not keen on wood as it cuts down on light.

[Lillibet]

Stupid question. . . Only because I'm thinking that I really should start using a cold frame rather than the 'see if the plant makes it through' technique.

Are polycarb cold frames more likely to blow away and, if so, how do you pin them down?

[stompy]

So would you use a cold frame if you've got a greenhouse?

[JayG]

Are polycarb cold frames more likely to blow away and, if so, how do you pin them down?

They will be lighter than a similarly sized one with glass glazing but you could peg the frame to the ground or tie it to the bricks you raise it up on if you have done it that way.

So would you use a cold frame if you've got a greenhouse?

I had a cold frame for years before buying a greenhouse last year and I'm not about to smash it up!

[stompy]

So would there be any benefit in buying/building a coldframe if i own a greenhouse?

[TerryB]

I have both a greenhouse and a coldframe.
The coldframe warms up quicker in spring, less air  to heat for amount of glass/plastic and is better for harding off because the lid can be opened during the day so you are only protecting the plants against cold winds. I would always go for a full glass/plastic cold frame because if required you can insulate the walls but you can't make wood/brick let in light.
 

[stompy]

I was only asking as i have often thought about building one but having a greenhouse i wasn't sure if i needed to?

[noshed]

I've got a greenhouse and two cold frames made from old window frames and pallets. One has a glass front -which does mean the plants get less drawn but you have to be careful they don't get scorched as well.
I spend a lot of the spring and early summer shunting stuff between them, occasionally pausing to actually plant some in the plot.