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How to Make and Use a Cold Frame

mediumGardening4-6 hours5 steps

Safety Warnings

  • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent crop rot.

Tools Needed

Sash/Window frame — Glass or transparent material to trap heat
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Materials

Straw — Dry bedding/covering(As needed)
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Steps

1
Construct a frame capable of holding a sash to keep out frost.
Tip: The sash acts as the lid to regulate temperature.
2
Prepare the interior base by lining it with straw.
Tip: Straw provides a cushioned layer for sensitive produce.
3
Place mature or nearly mature fruit, such as unripe tomatoes, onto the straw layer.
Tip: This allows fruit to ripen for several weeks after the first October frost.
4
Cover the fruit with additional straw and close the sash.
Tip: This protects the produce from freezing temperatures.
5
Manage ventilation by opening the sash periodically.
Tip: Proper ventilation is critical; otherwise, tomatoes will rot rather than ripen.

Pro Tips

  • Use the cold frame to prolong the out-of-doors season for ripening fruit.

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Sources

Synthesized from 10 verified sources:

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →
Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →
Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →
Cornell ExtensionView →
Old Farmer's AlmanacView →