Gardening Cold Frame
Use an old glass door to build frost protection for plants
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A cold frame is a timber box roofed with glass or clear plastic to protect plants from cold weather. Recycle an old window or glass door fitted with toughened safety glass. We used a Western red cedar door from a recycling yard, with reclaimed 140mm-wide hardwood palings for boards and treated pine for the frame.
Position it on a site with good drainage and ample sunlight, butting the cold frame against an existing wall or fence (north-facing is best for protection from the elements).
Winter Warmer
The mini greenhouse allows for light, warmth and shelter from the wind, encouraging plants to grow rapidly at the start of the season.
As the weather warms up, plants can be gradually exposed to external conditions by removing from the frame or opening the lid for several hours during the middle of the day.
After two weeks of increased exposure, young plants should survive being moved outside.
STEP 1
Prepare the Studs
Using a mitre saw, cut the front and back frame studs 20mm longer than the Cutting List to allow for the mitre. Mark the top of each stud at 22.5º using a sliding bevel and cut to length.
STEP 2
Assemble front and back
Cut the top and base plates to length. Lay out the front panel plates and position the studs. Drill 3mm pilot holes and secure the plates to the studs with two 75mm x 14g galvanised screws. Repeat for the back frame.
STEP 3
Join the frames
Cut the crossrails to length. Stand up the front and back panels, drill 3mm pilot holes in the ends of the crossrails and secure the corners with 75mm x 14g galvanised screws. TIP The tops of the crossrails are flush with the top plate
STEP 4
Trim the front edge
Using a combination square, mark a cut line on the ends of the front top plate, align with the front edge of the studs and mark along the length of the angled top plate. Use a jigsaw to trim the front edge.
STEP 5
Attached the front boards
Cut the boards to join at stud centres and flush with corner studs. Drill 2mm pilot holes and secure with 50 x 2.8mm galvanised twist decking nails. Cut the top boards and reverse the pattern for the second row. Repeat for the back of the frame.
STEP 6
Mark the end boards
Position the end boards against the crossrails, overlapping the ends of the front and back boards, marking the angle of the top crossrail. Clamp the boards across a pair of sawhorses to cut with a jigsaw.
STEP 7
Attach the end boards
Position the end boards with equal overlap at the front and back. Drill pilot holes and secure with 50 x 2.8mm galvanised twist decking nails. Use an orbital sander with 80-grit abrasive paper to sand rough edges and faces.
STEP 8
Fit the door hinges
If the old door doesn’t have rebates for hinges, mark three hinge positions (at the centre and 50mm from the top and bottom). Remove waste to the depth of the hinge using a hammer and chisel, securing hinges with 30mm x 8g screws.
STEP 9
Attach the door
Position the door on the frame with equal overlap at the sides and front. Mark the hinge positions on the frame and open the door, holding the hinges and securing with 30mm x 8g screws.
STEP 10
Add the support struts
Add struts to hold the lid open and drop into the frame when not in use. Cut two lengths of 41 x 19mm pine to secure to the second and fourth front studs with 50mm x 8g galvanised screws.
STEP 11
Lay base pavers
Apply two coats of decking oil to the hardwood palings and two coats of stain to the door. To raise the base, lay a row of pavers in a shape to match the frame and position the cold frame over them.
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