What is a cold frame?

Cold frames are a season-extending tool to help protect young seedlings by reducing wind exposure, creating warmer soil and air temperatures, and fewer temperature changes. Cold frames might fit directly over an existing raised bed, or they can be placed directly on the ground. They typically have one hinge and open from the top, but designs can vary. These are excellent for starting young seedlings in spring or growing fall greens.

Do raised beds freeze faster?

Yes, the soil in a raised bed will freeze before the ground freezes, but it will also warm and thaw more readily as well. To extend your growing season in a raised bed and insulate the soil from temp fluctuations, you can tent them or create mini greenhouses to start you plants sooner and help your plants produce further into the fall. Look at tents with greenhouse fabric, hoop houses, and cold frames to insulate your raised beds and protect them from changeable weather and pests.

What is winter sowing?

Winter sowing is a method to extend your season, by starting seeds outdoors earlier in the spring under a cold frame. This way you can germinate seeds outdoors earlier and get them established and ready to produce once the season is in full swing!

Cold Frames for Raised Beds and DIY

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