[brucesgirl]

I have been given an old cold frame, which will be fine once we have put in new polycarb panels.
What I was wondering was, if we put it onto one of the beds on the plot could we use it as a cloche? What could we grow under it that we could pick and eat over winter? Would carrots actually germinate and grow over the winter months?

[WG.]

Only difference between a cloch and a coldframe is that the latter doesn't have glass sides.  It won't let in quite so much light.

Yes, you can use as a winter shelter.  Not sure about carrots - try Paramex or an early Nantes variety.  Better might be lettuce, radish, coriander.  Don't forget to water them.

Remember it isn't simply the cold; winter has got half the daylight hours for photosynthesis to take place.

[brucesgirl]

We are going to put polycarb panels in the front and sides as well, and my theory is that as our soil is heavy clay the water will seep into the earth from the outside earth.

[muntjac]

go to the local fresh fish merchants and ask him/her for any old polystyrene fish boxes the bigger the better cut em to fit inside the sides of the frame this wil shield the plants from cold winds and keep it warmer  

[brucesgirl]

Hey thats an excellent idea. We've probably got some at work,or if not will bubble wrap do? We always buy that by the roll for packing.

[muntjac]

plystyrene is thicker but bubble wrap in a few layers will do the same job use both lol bubble wrap the inside of the glass roof  

[WG.]

So what d'ya reckon would grow in it Munty?

[muntjac]

lettuce for a start ,even carrots  the bubble wrap wil reduce the light fractionally but i have done the same with my biggunbefore .you can also grow radish in it .use it to start plants of early next year  

[brucesgirl]

Waaay hhaaayy! Excited now, love trying doing new things. Carrots it is!!!