| Cold Frame |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-605 |
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Q: I planted a large number of seeds in flats, but I don't have room inside to nurture them. How can I do it outside without killing them? A: (Walter Reeves, Gardening Expert) A cold frame can be advantageous when starting seeds indoors. A cold frame is basically a hollow box that keeps your seedlings warm. It's easy to build and is a good way to get those small plants outside where they belong. Just remember to vent your cold frame daily by propping the hinged lid open. Materials: 1 piece 8 feet long 12" x 1" pine board
1 piece 4 feet long 10" x 1" pine board
1 24" x 48" sheet of plexiglas, 1/4" thick
3 pieces 4 feet long 2x2 boards
Jigsaw
2 sets of hinges with screws
Handle
Electric drill
16 #8 1-1/2" screws
#6 3/4" screws
- Cut the 8' boards in half. Take 1 of the 4' pieces and cut it in half again.These two pieces will create the sides of the cold frame, while the remaining 4' piece will be the back of the frame/
- Place one end of the side board against the edge of the back board and attach with screws. Repeat for other side.
- Place front board against edges of the side boards and attach with screws. (Bottoms of the boards should be flush.) With a yardstick, draw a line on side board from top of the back board to top of the side board. The line will be diagonal. Cut board along the line using a jigsaw. Sides will slope, allowing for a sloped lid to close properly.
- To make the lid: Make a 2' by 4' frame using 2 x 2 boards. Take one 4' 2x2 board and cut in half for the sides of the frame. Top and back are made using remaining 4' boards. Attach ends together using an angle brace if necessary. Attach Plexiglas to frame using 3/4" #6 screws.
- Attach lid to top of frame with hinges. Add handle to front portion of lid.
More Viewer Questions. . . Q: How long will it take for my newly planted apple tree to produce fruit? Is there anything I can do to help its growth? A: It depends on the type of apple tree you have chosen. For example, a dwarf apple tree will produce fruit in 2-3 years. But a standard apple tree -- which grows taller -- can take as much as five years.
Q: What should I look for in a durable garden hose?
A: Often, what you pay can determine the quality. Look for fiber reinforcement in the hose to resist high water pressure. Also, look for a good brass end to prevent corrosion.
Q: What is the proper depth of mulch to apply to a newly planted flower bed? Is hardwood mulch the best to use?
A: If you use pine straw, the depth needs to be about 3". However, if you're using hardwood, you only want the depth to be about 1-1/2".
RESOURCES :
The Winter Garden
Model: 0754810585
Author: Richard Rosenfeld
Cold Weather Gardening
Model: 0870125265
Author: Frank Ours
Gardening from Seed: The Keys to Success with Flowers and Vegetables
Model: 0609806653
Author: Thomas Christopher
Starting from Seeds: A Book about Plants
Model: 1404801073
Author: Susan Blackaby
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