Cold Frames and Cloches: Essential Tools for Year-Round Garden Protection
Harness simple mini-greenhouses to shield young plants and boost garden productivity.
Cold frames and garden cloches have long been the gardenerâs secret weapons for defying seasonal boundaries, protecting delicate seedlings, and jump-starting spring planting. In this guide, we explore their types, practical uses, historical significance, and offer recommendations for choosing or building your ownâensuring a healthier, more productive garden through every season.
Contents
- What Are Cold Frames?
- What Are Garden Cloches?
- Popular Cold Frame Types & Examples
- Distinctive Cloche Designs
- Practical Techniques for Using Cold Frames and Cloches
- Key Considerations: Ventilation, Heft, and Placement
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Cold Frames?
Cold frames are compact, unheated garden structuresâessentially miniature greenhousesâbuilt low to the ground, with transparent lids that trap solar warmth and shield plants from wind, frost, and harsh weather. By maintaining higher soil and air temperatures than the surrounding garden, cold frames are ideal for:
- Hardening off seedlings in early spring before full outdoor exposure.
- Extending harvests in the fall by sheltering crops from early frosts.
- Growing cool-season vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and scallions before or after the main growing season.
- Providing a protected environment for cuttings, seed germination, and overwintering less-hardy plants.
Classic cold frames are constructed from wood, brick, or stone with a hinged glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic lid. The fundamental principle is the greenhouse effect: sunlight passes through the transparent cover, warming up the air and soil inside.
What Are Garden Cloches?
Garden cloches are individually portable plant covers, historically made from glass in a bell-shaped form. Their purpose is to protect single plants or clusters from wind, cold, and pests, functioning as tiny, movable greenhouses. Modern versions utilize various materials, including:
- Glass: Traditional, elegant, excellent for heat retention.
- Terra cotta: Stylish, breathable, and visually distinctive.
- Metal frames with glass or plastic panels: Durable and practical.
- Plastic domes or tunnels: Lightweight and widely available.
- Bamboo: Sustainable, natural look, and good for wildlife gardens.
Cloches originate from European gardening traditionsâfrequently seen in UK gardensâas both practical and decorative accents.
Popular Cold Frame Types & Examples
Contemporary gardeners have access to a variety of cold frame designs. These suit different scales, aesthetics, and budgets, and can be placed directly on garden beds or raised for ergonomic access:
Wooden Cold Frames
- Farmer D Cold Frame: 2 by 4 feet, sits on the ground or can be raised with an optional leg kit; cedar construction for durability.
- Maine Growing Products Cold Frame Growing House: Made of eastern white cedar, 4 by 4 feet, sturdy and weather-resistant.
- Cedar Baby Coldframe: Designed for tight spaces, constructed from western red cedar, admired for its long life and attractive color.
- Greenhouse People Cedar Cold Frame: Hinged and sliding lids with cedar cappingâstylish and highly functional.
- Primrose Small and Large Cold Frames: Treated pine frames with plexiglass glazing, available in multiple sizes for different planting needs.
What others are reading
Metal and Composite Cold Frames
- Veg Trug Raised Cold Frame: Polycarbonate lids on a metal-raised bed for easy access; ideal for patios or balconies.
- Gardeners Cedar & Aluminum Cold Frame: Rot-resistant base with an aluminum and polycarbonate lid, offering up to 8 feet of growing space for larger gardens.
| Model | Material | Size (approx.) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer D Cold Frame | Cedar, Glass | 2′ x 4′ | Optional legs, robust build |
| Veg Trug | Metal, Polycarbonate | Variable | Raised design, shatter-proof lid |
| Maine Growing House | Eastern white cedar | 4′ x 4′ | Thick wood, easy assembly |
| Greenhouse People Cedar | Cedar, Polycarbonate | 4′ x 2′ | Sliding and hinged lids for airflow |
| Primrose Large | Pine, Plexiglass | 60cm x 57cm | Weather-treated, durable |
Distinctive Cloche Designs
Cloches are available in a range of materials, sizes, and styles to suit both functional and ornamental gardening uses. The following examples highlight their diversity:
- Terra Cotta Bell Jars: These “aged bells”âplayful nods to historic glass designsâoffer a robust shelter that also blends beautifully into traditional gardens. Available in heights of 10.5 or 14 inches, theyâre practical and attractive.
- Victorian Style Cast Iron Cloche: Inspired by 18th and 19th-century designs, these cloches feature decorative cast iron sides with a glass or metal-paneled roof, bringing a period character to the garden.
- Lantern Cloches: Coming in various sizes and shapes, from miniature octagonal models to larger lanterns, these are popular in UK gardens for both utility and visual interest.
- Kensington Copper Frame Cloche: With its classic copper construction and glass panels, this cloche offers excellent durability and a timeless finish for formal gardens.
- Bamboo and Mesh Cloches: Favorited by organic and wildlife-friendly gardeners, these add a natural touch while sheltering crops and seedlings.
Many of these cloches are sold as collectable garden art pieces as well as practical tools, with prices varying based on materials, size, and antique value.
Practical Techniques for Using Cold Frames and Cloches
Cold frames and cloches, while simple in design, require thoughtful use to reap the best results. Hereâs how to make them work for your plants all year round:
Extending the Planting Season
- Early Spring: Use cold frames to harden off young plants started indoors or to directly sow hardy greens before frost risk passes.
- Late Autumn: Cover maturing crops to prolong harvestâlettuce, spinach, carrots, and herbs thrive under protective covers.
- Overwintering: Shelter less-hardy perennials or container plants from freezing temperatures.
Protection from Weather and Pests
- Frost, wind, and snow: Cloches and cold frames act as windbreaks and insulators, shielding vulnerable plants from climate stress.
- Wildlife and pests: Physical barriers like mesh cloches deter birds, rodents, and insects from eating young plants.
Creating a Microclimate
- Temperature Regulation: These structures trap solar heat and can be vented for optimal daytime temperatures, providing a steady microclimate for fast, healthy growth.
- Humidity Control: Reduce water stress and evaporation in dry periods, and protect against heavy rainfall washing out seedlings.
Key Considerations: Ventilation, Heft, and Placement
To ensure plant health and maximize the advantages of your cold frames and cloches, always keep in mind:
- Ventilation: Closed covers can quickly overheat, causing condensation, mold, and rot. Ventilate during sunny days by propping lids or partially raising cloches; close up overnight or on frosty evenings.
- Heft and Stability: Lightweight covers or poorly anchored frames risk being blown away by spring winds. Either choose heavier models (e.g., glass or terra cotta) or secure with stakes or internal weights.
- Sun Exposure: Place your cold frame or cloche in a spot with maximum sunlightâusually south-facing for the Northern Hemisphereâfor best warming results.
- Cover Material Choice: Glass offers classic clarity; polycarbonate and plexiglass are shatter-resistant; terra cotta and bamboo provide breathability and natural aesthetics. Consider insulation value, transparency, and weather resistance for your specific plants and climate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What crops benefit most from cold frames and cloches?
A: Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula, cool-season root vegetables such as radishes and scallions, and tender seedlings of tomatoes and peppers all perform exceptionally well when protected during early or late growing seasons.
Q: Can I build my own cold frame or cloche at home?
A: Yes! Reclaimed windows, wood, and even clear plastic bottles can be repurposed into effective cold frames and cloches. Ensure transparency for maximum light, and add hinges or removable tops for ventilation.
Q: How do I prevent overheating or moisture problems?
A: Prop open lids during sunny periods, avoid overwatering, and close frames at night. Proper ventilation is crucial for healthy plant growth and minimizing fungal issues.
Q: What is the historical significance of cloches in gardening?
A: Glass bell jar cloches have roots in 19th-century French and Victorian English horticulture, valued for their elegance and ability to drive early harvests in prestigious kitchen gardens.
Q: Are there differences between cold frames and cloches?
A: Cold frames cover larger areas and multiple plants, functioning as stationary mini-greenhouses, while cloches are smaller, portable, and designed to shelter individual plants or garden rows.
Further Resources and Inspiration
- Classic Cold Frames & Season Extension: For detailed construction guides and design variations, see accessible garden extension handouts and resources.
- Gardenistaâs Collections: Explore elegant garden cloche options and cold frame roundups for every garden size and style.
- Country Living UK: Learn firsthand how cloches and frames help British gardeners handle volatile early spring weather, and get tips for a healthy microclimate.
Unlocking Longer Harvests and Healthier Gardens
By investing in or constructing reliable cold frames and cloches, you multiply the possibilities of your gardenâharvesting earlier, extending later, and growing robust, healthy plants despite unpredictable weather. With thoughtful use, these time-tested tools lay the foundation for productive, beautiful gardens through spring, summer, autumn, and even the depths of winter.
References
- https://edibleevanston.org/pdfs/EE_seasonExtension_handouts2015_web.pdf
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-easy-pieces-cold-frames/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/the-bell-jar-terra-cotta-garden-cloches/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/the-beauty-of-the-garden-cloche/
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/gardens/a63575370/how-use-cold-frames-cloches-garden/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
