High Altitude Gardening, Part 2 - Cold Frames

This is the second installment in a series on gardening on the homestead. This week we will be talking about cold frames. With a ...

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "High Altitude Gardening, Part 2 - Cold Frames" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video High Altitude Gardening, Part 2 - Cold Frames

🔄 Cold frames are being built to extend the growing season by protecting plants from the elements.

🌞 The cold frame design includes a sloped plastic top that allows sunlight in and promotes runoff of spring snows.

🛠️ The cold frames have a sturdy construction made of two by fours and two by sixes, with three sections for easy removal.

🚫 It's important to keep the cutting plastic warm to prevent it from becoming brittle and cracking during the cutting process.

📏 Precise cutting techniques using a drywall square and shears help ensure straight cuts along the corrugated plastic roofing.

🔩 Special screws with built-in washers and rubber gaskets are used to secure the roofing without damaging the plastic.

💪 The structure includes additional support across the middle of the frame to prevent snow accumulation from causing damage.

🌱 The use of cold frames has significantly warmed the soil, allowing for earlier planting even in high-altitude, challenging weather conditions.

🔧 Horizontal braces proved more effective than vertical ones in supporting the weight of heavy snow on the cold frames.

Timestamped Summary

00:00 The video starts with the presenter announcing the snow receding and plans to build cold frames for their raised garden beds.

00:23 Introduction to the channel "Barely Homesteading" and the host, Lumberjack, who will be demonstrating how to construct cold frames.

00:30 They describe the dimensions of the raised beds and the three-section design of the cold frames for easy removal and covering based on weather changes.

00:50 The materials, including 2x4s, 2x6s, and plastic tops for the cold frames, are mentioned and the importance of a slanted roof for snow runoff.

01:09 They begin creating the box on the bottom with varying wood sizes and discuss how the top part will be built.

02:21 The box is completed, and the process of cutting angled sides to prepare for roofing installation is displayed.

03:02 The back is trimmed to match the angle of the side pieces for a snug fit of the plastic roofing.

03:45 Lumberjack shows the process of cutting corrugated plastic roofing, emphasizing the material being warm to avoid cracking.

06:03 A demonstration of using shears and a straight edge, like a drywall square, to cut the plastic neatly is provided.

06:49 With the box and angled sides completed, the plastic roofing can be attached.

07:00 The cold frames are designed to be lightweight enough for Lumberjack's wife and kids to handle if needed.

08:01 Braces are being added for extra support to the structure.

11:04 A beam is added across the top for support to withstand potential heavy snow loads.

13:38 The first cold frame is complete and they move to test it on the raised bed.

14:27 All three cold frames are installed on one raised bed, intended to accelerate snow melting and allow for earlier planting.

16:00 After a visit to the hardware store for supplies, all cold frames are in place and equipped with handles for easy lifting.

16:48 After two weeks, the effectiveness of the cold frames is evident as the snow has melted and the soil is warm.

17:27 Through trial and error with snowstorms, it was learned that a horizontal brace is more effective than a vertical one for structural integrity.

17:58 The video concludes with satisfaction over the cold frames, which are expected to extend the growing season in high altitude conditions. Please note that this summary is based solely on the provided subtitles and does not account for any visual elements or additional context that may be present in the video itself.

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Q&A

What are cold frames and why are they useful?

Cold frames are garden structures that provide a protected and warmer environment for plants, allowing for an extended growing season. They are particularly useful in climates with unpredictable weather, heavy snows, or high winds, which can damage more fragile structures like PVC and plastic frames. Cold frames are built with a sturdy base and a translucent top that lets in sunlight, warming the soil inside and promoting earlier plant growth.

What materials are used to build a cold frame?

The cold frames described here are built with 2x4s, 2x6s lumber for the frame, and corrugated plastic sheets for the roofing to let sunlight through. Additionally, special screws with built-in washers and rubber gaskets are used to secure the plastic roofing and prevent leaks and damage.

How do you ensure proper drainage and prevent snow accumulation on cold frames?

The tops of the cold frames are slanted so that rain and melting snow can easily run off, preventing accumulation that could potentially damage the structure. Additionally, installing a support beam across the center of the frame adds strength to support heavy snow.

How do you cut corrugated plastic sheets without damaging them?

To cut corrugated plastic sheets without causing cracks or chips, it is important to keep the plastic warm so it remains pliable. It's recommended to pre-drill holes before inserting screws into the plastic, use long sharp shears, and a drywall square to ensure straight cuts along the corrugations.

Why did the builder decide to make the cold frames small in size?

The cold frames were designed to be small (approximately four by four feet) to ensure they are light enough to be lifted by one person. This consideration was made because the builder often has to take business trips or work late, and wanted his wife and children to be able to remove the cold frames easily if necessary.

What modifications were made to the cold frames after initial installation?

After installing the cold frames, handles were added on each side to facilitate lifting and removing them when needed to access the beds for planting, watering, or weeding. Also, based on experience with snow accumulation, it was decided that horizontal support beams work better than vertical ones, as the vertical braces allowed too much snow weight to bow the plastic.

How effective were the cold frames once installed?

The cold frames proved very effective, melting snow within the raised garden beds faster and allowing planting to begin even at the beginning of April. The soil inside the frames became quite warm, and despite a few tweaks needed regarding the support beam orientation, the cold frames proved to be an asset for extending the growing season in a high-altitude environment.