{"id":8474,"date":"2022-03-30T12:15:18","date_gmt":"2022-03-30T10:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/?p=75973"},"modified":"2022-03-30T12:27:19","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T10:27:19","slug":"best-cold-frames-for-the-garden","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/best-cold-frames-for-the-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"Best cold frames for the garden"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Daisy Bowie-Sell\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 30 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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What is a cold frame?<\/h3>\n

Traditionally, a cold frame is used in gardening in order to prolong the growing season. Cold frames are different to mini greenhouses or heated greenhouses<\/a> in that they are usually low to the ground, they use a transparent lid that lifts up and down and they offer a few degrees more of warmth than the outside. They are also sheltered from the wind, so all-in-all, they are good for sowing seeds<\/a> and protecting delicate seedlings, raising cuttings and sheltering tender plants in the cooler months.<\/p>\n

A cold frame is useful for hardening off plants in spring, getting them used to outside temperatures without putting them straight out in the elements. Depending on the seeds you are sowing, you can use a cold frame up to six weeks earlier than when you might sow in the ground, and can protect the seedlings of hardy annuals sown in autumn. A good-quality cold frame made from long-lasting, sustainable materials will last for many years and can be a cheaper way of tending to delicate seedlings than a full-blown greenhouse.<\/p>\n

What can be grown in a cold frame?<\/h3>\n

A cold frame can be used for sowing seeds<\/a> and protecting delicate seedlings, raising cuttings and sheltering tender plants in the cooler months. It can also be used for salad crops in the cooler months, extending the season. One of the nice things about a cold frame is that ca provide protection from pests including slugs, snails and rabbits.<\/p>\n

Where\u2019s the best place for a cold frame?<\/h3>\n

A cold frame conserves heat and protects from the wind, so the best place for a cold frame is in a sheltered, sunny position. But it doesn\u2019t matter too much where you put it \u2013 it will offer more protection to your plants than if they were planted straight outside.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss our pieces on winter plant protection<\/a> and eco plant protection<\/a>. And if you\u2019re looking to invest, we chose our favourite mini greenhouses here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

The best cold frames for 2022<\/h2>\n

Wooden framed polycarbonate cold frame<\/h3>\n
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