Only the cover creates the ideal conditions for seeds and plants in the self-built cold frame. Otherwise, the effect of the natural heating will dissipate ineffectively in the cold air. You can read here how the construction is inexpensive and uncomplicated.
How do I build a cold frame cover myself?
To construct a cover for a homemade cold frame, use Vario brackets, wooden slats, greenhouse film or mesh film, cable ties, wooden stapler with clamps, drill, folding rule, pen and cutter knife. Assemble the Vario brackets and attach slats and foil to them to create a stable polytunnel.
Material and tool list
The following materials and tools are required to cover a cold frame 140 cm long and 80 cm deep:
- 1 Vario bracket set with 2 side panels, including protective foil tapes and drilling screws
- Greenhouse film or grid film
- 5-7 wooden slats as a base for the greenhouse film
- Cable ties
- Wood staple gun with staples
- Drilling machine
- Ruling rule, pen
- cutter knife
For a bed length of 150 to 250 cm, an additional middle bracket is required.
Film tunnel is the crowning glory of the cold frame - this is how it works with Vario brackets
So that your cold frame has a weatherproof and stable cover, we recommend using prepared Vario brackets. This creates a tunnel construction that, on the one hand, offers your plants enough space to grow and, on the other hand, keeps the warmth of the filling in place. How to install the cover correctly:
- Position the Vario bracket on the wooden frame of the cold frame (install temporary strips if necessary)
- Screw the fastening straps to the wooden frame
- Mark positions for the slats on the brackets
- Align the battens and fasten them with cable ties
Pull the greenhouse film over the slats that are connected to the Vario brackets. First staple the film firmly and then screw it onto the wooden slats using the drilling screws and nuts. At this point, no screws are placed in the area of the Vario brackets. The cable ties can then be removed. The slatted foil construction has not yet been firmly screwed to the Vario brackets because the side parts still need to be covered.
To cover the side panels with foil, remove the foil-covered slats from the Vario brackets. Now attach the greenhouse film as side walls. This step is easier if you first remove the Vario brackets from the cold frame frame. Finally, put all the components together and screw the slatted foil cover to the Vario brackets.
Tip
A tunnel-shaped cover is the optimal solution for a stone cold frame. In summer, replace the airtight film with an insect protection net in order to grow vegetable plants on the bed area without heat accumulation.