More often than not, gardeners equate the colder weather with a pause in their craft, allowing their vegetable harvests to go dormant until spring comes around again. But what if we told you it doesn’t need to be this way? Cold frame gardening is a great way to extend gardening into the frosty weather.
What Is A Cold Frame?
Essentially, a cold frame is a contraption that allows plants to get natural sunlight and warmth while protecting plants from harsh winter conditions.
How It Works
The basic premise is that cold frames help reduce the stress of the climate on plants.
The cold frame allows sunlight to shine into the box, providing plants with the needed sunlight while also helping to keep them protected from colder conditions.
Additionally, due to the sun shining through the frame, plants inside are kept warmer. This allows gardeners to rest at ease knowing their plants will not succumb to the frost.
When beginning, there are a few important factors to cold frame gardening that gardeners should be aware of. These include ensuring plants receive proper ventilation and making sure sunlight to the plants is not obstructed.
Keep Proper Ventilation
However, because of this oven-like effect, it is essential for gardeners to remember to ventilate the cold frame.
This is especially true during times when the temperature is known to fluctuate more; without proper ventilation, plants can easily fry.
Let In The Light
Another important note to remember is to make sure the cold frame’s top is kept clear.
Plants receive the needed sunlight through the top of the frame, when this is obstructed by fallen leaves, snow, or other debris, it affects the plants’ access to proper nutrients.
Keep On Gardening
Even if you decide cold frame gardening isn’t for you, don’t let the cold weather stand in your way.
From container gardening to indoor houseplants, there are many ways to keep gardening throughout the fall and winter seasons.
