How to Build a Cold Frame

A cold frame is a tried-and-true historical gardening device which allows a gardener to extend the vegetable growing season by providing what is termed a "microclimate."  This microclimate is created by the cold frame's greenhouse effect; it captures the sun, heats the plants inside and insulates it from wind.  Here's how I built a cold frame:

 

First, I built the basic box frame.  The dimensions were dictated by the size of the glass window I had purchased, in this case an 18 1/16" x 32 3/16" basement storm window.  But, I had to take into account that the glass will be at angle, preferably in the 30-45 degree range.  Due to my window size, I had mine at about 23 degrees, because at 30 or 45 degrees, the frame would be prohibitively narrow.  The final dimensions were 16 9/16" x 32 3/16".  I used 1 1/4" wood screws at the corner joints, which made a much sturdier frame than the nails I used in my first attempt.

 

Second, I took a 16 9/16" piece (remember, this is the width of the box), and sliced it diagonally to fabricate two pieces that had the aforementioned 23 degree slant. 

I took these pieces and glued them to the box frame.  The glass will rest on these. 

Next, I cut some lengths of 2x2's to screw to the corners of the box in order to provide some extra strength and bracing.  Note that I also had to give the tops of the 2x2's the same slant to match the sides.

Now the back board I cut the same length as the foundation frame.  Then I put it on the table saw and ripped a 23 degree edge all the way down, as shown above.

After I screwed the back board on, the structure of the box was complete!

Now to the glass.  Since this was a basement storm window, I scored around the inside to rid it of the screen.  Then I set on the cold frame structure and attached two hinges and a handle.

Aaaand....we're done!

Now I can give it to the gardener in my family, so she can start with some early planting! :)

-Jonathan

Comments

[John O'Dorisio]

That is really cool.
-John O'Dorisio

[Jonathan Girotti]

Thanks, John! Do you do any woodworking?

[Eric Trent]

Hello Jonathan this is Eric Trent. I have some college stuff i wanted to talk to you about.. I know that you are a godly man and that you would have good advice for me.. If you can contact me soon that would be great.. I tried to find your email but i could not.. My email is eatrent95@gmail.com

I hope you can contact me soon..

By the way, great post!

[Chris]

I am sorry i did not get back to you.And yes i do a little woodworking.
-John O'Dorisio

[Kelly]

Jonathan,
It was great meeting you at the conference this past week. You and your family at least the ones that we had a chance to meet blessed us. We hope to see you and the rest of the family again some time. Blessings

Mr. Hammond

[Jonathan Girotti]

Mr. Hammond,

Thanks for the kind comment. I'm very glad we had the chance to meet! It was great sharing godly conversation with you and your family. And as mentioned at the conference, please stop by if you are ever in our area.

In Christ,
Jonathan Girotti