How to extend your growing season using a DIY cold frame
In short: Learn how to protect warm-weather crops like tomatoes and chillies from the elements. This guide demonstrates how to build simple structures to trap heat and shield young seedlings from rain.
In regions with short growing seasons, such as Tasmania, cold frames are essential for starting crops like eggplants and tomatoes early. Presenter Hannah Moloney demonstrates a permanent polycarbonate design positioned against a stone wall to maximize heat retention. She also details a budget-friendly, temporary alternative using approximately 20 bricks and a second-hand window frame to house two trays of seedlings.
Proper management is key: propping the hinged lid open on hot days ensures airflow and prevents overheating or fungal issues, though the rain-shielding lid requires more frequent watering.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Give your vegies a head start this spring with a cold frame | DIY | Gardening Australia
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