The frame for a cold frame can be constructed in no time at all from wood or pallets. To ensure that the plants stay nice and warm in the mini greenhouse, the right cover is important. These instructions explain how to build the attachment for a cold frame yourself.
How do I build a cold frame attachment myself?
To build a cold frame attachment yourself, you need boards, slats, squared timbers, double-wall panels, hinges, screws and tools such as a jigsaw and cutter knife. Build the attachment at an angle to the sunlight and attach the double-bar roof to the frame with hinges.
Material and tool list
Most of the required material is left over after the cold frame box has been built. The following list shows all the materials and tools required:
- Boards and battens
- 2 squared timbers
- Double-wall sheet 4 mm to 6 mm thick
- 2 to 3 hinges
- Screws, nails
- Jigsaw
- cutter knife
- Hammer
- Inch rule
How to construct the essay with skill
A cold frame attachment is designed so that it is oriented at an angle to the sunlight. The gradient ensures that your plants still benefit from the light even when the sun is low in spring or autumn. In addition, rainwater can drain away quickly and does not put unnecessary pressure on the attachment. To do this, cut the side wall boards into a wedge shape. Proceed as follows:
- Screw the sloping side walls to the cold frame frame
- Then screw the back on using squared timbers
- Measure the double-wall plate and cut it to fit with the cutter knife (€14.00 on Amazon)
- Place wooden slats as a frame on and under the double-wall plate and screw them tight
- Attach the double-bar roof to the wooden frame using the hinges
Instead of the hinges, you can also nail 3 old leather strap pieces to the frame attachment to open it. To prevent strong winds from lifting the lid, hang a weight on it. Thread a rope through a brick and secure the end to the cover with a nail.
Tip
This attachment is also suitable as a cover for a stone cold frame. For this purpose, the beveled sides and the wooden back wall are screwed to the stone walls from the inside or outside. Fill the resulting cavities with silicone to prevent drafts in the stone cold frame. Then attach the lid made of double-wall panels and wooden slats as explained in these instructions.
