"A cold frame consists of a bottomless box frame with a top made of glass or clear plastic that allows the sunlight in but protects plants within from cold air. According to Bronx Green-Up , you can build your cold frame to any dimensions you desire. However, their guide recommends a wooden frame that is three feet wide and four feet deep - using untreated lumber if you're planning to grow food."
"During winter months, cold frames act like passive solar collectors, capturing and storing heat during sunny days while providing crucial protection from harsh winds and extreme temperature fluctuations. The thermal energy absorbed by the soil and frame materials contribute to modulating rapid freeze-thaw cycles that can damage or kill plants. This stable environment allows cold-hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and winter lettuce varieties to continue photosynthesis and growth even when snow covers the ground outside."
A cold frame is a bottomless wooden box topped with glass or clear plastic that admits sunlight while shielding plants from cold air. Sizes vary, but a common recommendation is a three-foot by four-foot untreated wooden frame, optionally using a reused window for the top or hay bales for insulation. Cold frames function as passive solar collectors in winter, capturing daytime heat and buffering temperature swings, protecting plants from wind and freeze-thaw cycles. The warmed soil and materials moderate conditions, enabling cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and winter lettuces to photosynthesize and grow even under snow. Succession planting and season-appropriate varieties allow harvests through all seasons.
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