[compoQ]

What considerations are there when building a coldframe and do you give it a base?

Thanks for taking time to read this x

[UrbanG]

There are so many different sizes and shapes of cold frames available to buy so if you are going to build your own you really need more info on the size and shape you are planning.

Best option is to take a look at the various catalogues and online till you find what you fancy and take ideas and measurements from that.

Although all cold frames DO need bottom / lower support they do not want to be having a fixed 'base' remember when watering plants all the water has to go somewhere and that is usually down.
So the excess water needs to escape or drain away with ease.

Another thing is why not buy?? I bought 2 cold frames from Wilcos for £12 each. you could not even buy the wood and screws for that price if I was to make it myself.

[JayG]

Unless you are just using it to overwinter or harden off small plants you need to consider the height it needs to be so that you can grow larger plants whilst still being able to close the lights.

If you have a fully-glazed (e.g. aluminium-framed) frame you can stand it on breeze blocks (or in my case, breeze blocks and bricks; it gets taller every year!) to get the extra height whilst still letting plenty of light in.

I grow bush tomatoes and sometimes chillies in mine.

[compoQ]

I have a large quantity of wood (various sizes) left over from our Timber Frame home we had built so wanted to use this up. Also I think my measurements may also be limited to the the two glass fronted doors I was intending to use for the top.

If I have enough wood, would it be better to build a shallow one and a tall one? Or am I missing the point?

Thanks

[JayG]

If I have enough wood, would it be better to build a shallow one and a tall one? Or am I missing the point?

Thanks

You are in a good position in that you can tailor your coldframe to your plans and requirements rather than the other way round!

No point having 2 if you only need 1, equally no point making only a low one if you want to grow large plants in it!

It's up to you! 

[Digger Tom]

 I bought 2 cold frames from Wilcos for £12 each. you could not even buy the wood and screws for that price if I was to make it myself.

 Any chance of a link? I have been looking for a coldframe for ages.

[UrbanG]

Certainly Tom.

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Seed-Trays+Propagators/Wilko-Mini-Greenhouse-4-Tier/invt/0169741?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D

I bought 2 of these in store back in Feb, looks like they are reduced to £10 now 

[Digger Tom]

Certainly Tom.

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Seed-Trays+Propagators/Wilko-Mini-Greenhouse-4-Tier/invt/0169741?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D

I bought 2 of these in store back in Feb, looks like they are reduced to £10 now 

 Thanks for the link but they are a bit too sticky uppy for my exposed plot, they would blow away in the first stiff breeze. I was looking more for a low level type jobby.

[Trillium]

This link isn't exactly how to construct one, but it does show a 'typical' style which you can find free plans for online anywhere. If you can get hold of 2nd hand materials and an old window, it's very cheap if not free. I've just got hold of 3 old windows for 3 frames I plan to make later this year.

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/cold-frame-insulate/

[Paul Plots]

Certainly Tom.

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Seed-Trays+Propagators/Wilko-Mini-Greenhouse-4-Tier/invt/0169741?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D

I bought 2 of these in store back in Feb, looks like they are reduced to £10 now 

Wow that's cheap - the replacement covers cost more than that a while back! 

I wonder why?

[philskin]

here,s mine that cost almost nothing ,made from recycled wood and glass
 




 

its now on its 2nd season and has overwintered plants and nursed them early on the only difference is that now its got a brick bottom the stop the mice burrowing underneath in the winter

[Paul Plots]

A rather nice looking job 

I have several sheets of polycarbonate (triple wall) roofing... I keep promising myself I'll find time to be inventive with it - I want a simple frame that I can move around and put away when it's not needed.

Must sort out some heavy wire and string   :blink: