Cold frame: A transparent, enclosed structure used to protect plants from cold weather, extending the growing season.
A cold frame is like a mini-greenhouse but usually smaller and lower to the ground. It’s typically made with a clear cover, like glass or plastic, that lets sunlight in and traps heat, keeping the inside warmer than the outside. Gardeners use cold frames to start seeds earlier in the spring, protect tender plants from late frosts, or extend the harvest season into the fall.
In your home garden, a cold frame can be a valuable tool. It allows you to get a head start on growing certain plants that need warm conditions, even when the weather is still chilly. You can also use it to harden off seedlings you’ve started indoors before transplanting them into the garden. Cold frames come in various sizes and styles, from simple DIY structures to more elaborate, commercially built ones. Whether you’re an avid gardener or just starting out, a cold frame can help you expand your gardening possibilities.
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