Cold Frame


[picture above was just after putting frame out - nothing really bursting forth yet]

[more recent pic of lettuce]

Recipe:
Two treated 2x8s recycled from dismantled deck
One storm window from KLW's pile of extras
Three brass hinges saved from door replacements at previous residence
A good number of wood screws, all found in dumpster

We've had some decent cold spells, frosts and even a couple inches of snow. Despite that, the lettuce and spinach inside the frame are doing very well. A few days after putting it out, I measured at 630 AM an air temp of 39 F, and a temp inside the cold frame of 50 F. By now it doesn't provide that differential, but apparently it's enough cover for cold-tolerant plants to flourish. I've got beets in there too - they look okay but their fate is unclear at this point. Probably pick some lettuce this weekend. Extending the season. Can use the device in spring next year too.