I picked up the rest of the supplies I needed to build the cold frame. It sure seems like a lot of wood, I did calculated the amount I needed in order to not waste much. Lets hope I figured right and I cut the appropriate piece on the appropriate piece of lumber in order to have the right amount. Boy that is a loaded sentence.I have the following:
two 2x6x8
one 2x6x10
one 2x6x12
two 2x4x8
two 2"x2"x8
one approx. 2'x3' double glazed window (the windows used for retrofit exterior doors)
an assortment of brackets & hinges
So far I have completed building the frame around the window. I wanted to finish more this Sunday afternoon but the drizzle turned to rain and the caffeine levels were getting low. I am planning on having it finished by next weekend and then I will be about to plant in it a few days after that once it warms up inside. I also remembered that I have a heater cable amongst my junk. I used it the first winter that we moved to this home to keep the pipes from freeze in the upstairs eves. I have since insulated the area so I can make use of the heater cable in the soil of the cold frame. With the cable I should be about to grow year round.
Hey Dan, i'd be really interested in seeing some of your construction photos, and also - how much is the investment for building it? I like what you've done so far with it...
ReplyDeleteEG
Looking forward to seeing the completed project. Hope the caffeine levels got replenished:)
ReplyDeleteeg - I will be taking some photos well I am building it and post them.
ReplyDeleteAs for the cost it is not overly expensive but not cheap either. The window was $20 which was a great deal from the restore, a double glazed window this size would normally run you $60-$80. The lumber was about $40 and then the hinges, brackets, screws etc was about $20. The total was around $80 and would have been about $65 if I used a single paned window.
There is so many plans out there for cold frames that the possibilities are almost endless. I have seen plans for plywood frames w/ green house plastic for the window, one that is hinged in a way that it will fold up for storage, ones made out of wooden storm windows and one made with plexiglass. You can even get heat activated lifts and will automatically crack the window if the temp goes to high.
tina - The levels were brought to an acceptable level, I am such an addict.
ReplyDeleteI am envious! You and EG both building cold frames, and here I sit, basking in the Arizona sun, just dreaming about next spring's planting. And watching the little veggies sprout in the pots I placed on the sunny side of the house. Ahh...life is hard sometimes ;-)
ReplyDeleteWill be interesting to see the finished project. Love your pics of Stephanie Fall and the bee hive.
ReplyDeleteHow ambitious of you to attempt to grow outside year round! I'll be looking forward to seeing how you'll make this work.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting project there Dan. Cant wait to see the final product!
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha I finally made myself a blog account. When you have time this week I am coming over so you can show me how to do things lol
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas to grow things all year round Dan. You should start selling your skills make these and sell them I am sure ppl would love to buy them from you.
granny - I think I would trade the cold frame for sun & heat anytime.
ReplyDeleterosemary - glade you liked the falls
sally - well my year round statement may have been a little ambitious but there is always hope right. I'm guessing Jan/Feb will probably be way to cold but I think I can stretch my growing season from March to December.
skeeter - I can't wait either, I just order some seed today!
michelle - good luck with your blog michelle.