Using Your Cold Frame
Placing Your Cold Frame
Part of this will depend on your geographic location and your intended use. Most authorities agree (and for most purposes) a generally southern exposure is preferable.
In Missouri, for instance, a due southern exposure along a white wall will heat the cold frame to opening temperature as early as mid-February. By March or April it can get very hot, and gardeners may find it necessary to remove the top of the frame entirely or give the frame afternoon shade of some kind to keep direct sunlight off the plants.
Someone in the northwest with less direct sunshine will have a different problem.
You obviously know your microclimate better than we do – experimentation is the No. 1 rule of gardening!
What to Grow in Your Cold Frame
Every person will have a different set of vegetables, flowers that they will want to use in their cold frame. Some people will use it to extend the season in which they can harvest greens. Some people will use it to start and harden-off tomato seedlings to get a jump on tomato season in the spring.
How the Self Opening Feature Helps
The Carnival Gardens Common Sense Cold Frame’s unique self opening feature conveniently adjusts the lid of the cold frame automatically. When it’s cold, the lid closes to protect your plants. On warmer days, the lid will open to allow for optimal circulation.