Cold frames (was CULT: Thanksgiving seedlings)
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Cold frames (was CULT: Thanksgiving seedlings)
- From: M* H* <M*@worldnet.att.net>
- Date: Thu, 27 Nov 1997 22:26:57 -0700 (MST)
Gary D. Sides wrote:
> [snip]
> It works for me. Perhaps in a few days I will give the easy thing I
> did to make my present cold frame and other things that have worked
> for me in the past, if there's any interest!
Gary, I would be interested in hearing about your making & using a cold
frame. My climate's a *whole* lot colder than yours year 'round but I'm
curious about any possible advantages to a perennials-from-seed-grower.
I don't know of anyone who uses a cold frame for flowering plants up
here. A few veggie gardeners use 'em for "winter" lettuces or for
jump-starting veggie seedlings in the spring -- ones sown indoors under
lights to begin with & then moved to a cold frame to bask in sunlight
while still receiving frost protection.
A major question I have is how MUCH protection is provided by a cold
frame -- *in my climate* would seeds germinate enough sooner within than
they would without to be worth the bother? Or would I be just as wise to
continue sowing seeds (particularly those that DON'T require any cold
stratification) indoors, then trotting seedling trays in & out to harden
them off?
A cold frame could help in the hardening-off process but I'd be worried
about cooking the seedlings in our intense sunlight -- keeping track &
opening & closing a cold frame to prevent this sounds like more trouble
than it's worth. (I know there are automatic gadgets to do this but
they're pricey, expecially if you need more than one cold frame to house
the quantity of seedlings I'm contemplating.)
All the literature seems orientated towards food-growers & how to extend
the season at both ends for annual crop plants. I can't find any info
indicating a cold frame could benefit a flower-grower -- perhaps because
there is no such benefit, except maybe for annuals?
Anyway, I'd love to see discussion on this subject from all who have
ideas &/or experience, especially in the Great White North.
Marte in the mtns Zone 4/Sunset 1 Colorado
Where's it's been snowing for about 6 hours but all in my family are
home safe after stuffing themselves with great food & delightful
conversation. Hope all in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving & all
elsewhere had a wonderful day even if it wasn't a holiday.
