Coldframes
Surrey, United Kingdom
I have never used a coldframe before, and wondered if anyone could enlighten me about the rules of when the doors and vent should be open or shut. Sorry if this is a silly question! I am just not sure how I am meant to use it to best advantage. At the moment there are some hebes which I am trying to make bigger and stronger and some sweet williams which are being prepared for next year. I probably sound like an idiot, but any tips would be gratefully received. Thanks.
- 23 Sep, 2009
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Answers
there realy is nothing I can add, well put,
24 Sep, 2009
Thank you both for answering. That's is really helpful Spritz - I was thinking it had to be closed up more, but what you say makes perfect sense!
24 Sep, 2009
You're welcome! Now all I have to do is persuade 'himself' to re-erect mine - it's still in pieces, and despite the new greenhouse, my coldframe is indispensible....
24 Sep, 2009
You'll have to use some sort of bribe...Its the only way I achieve anything in this house! ;-)
24 Sep, 2009
Spritz has the right idea. But I might also add that your frame can be used to 'force' borderline tender plants that may flower unreliably in the UK especially when these can be held back following a cold April/May/June. (You know what I mean).
I use mine for cannas and agapanthus for example so that I can be sure of blooms from mid-May until November.
My earliest bloomers (A. Blessingham Blue) are going under cover now to begin drying off and will hardly have a drop of water before next April.
24 Sep, 2009
Hallo, Mw - welcome back!
My coldframe is back in its new position! Hooray!
It will soon be full again.
24 Sep, 2009
Oh my goodness - I didn't realise someone had already chosen this name!
24 Sep, 2009
Yours is a bit longer, though, isn't it! No two members can have exactly the same name - so don't worry!
25 Sep, 2009
Where was your coldframe Spritz and where is it now? Mine gets full sun until about 5pm which is fantastic - everything in there is shooting up.
28 Sep, 2009
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Of course you don't!
I use my cold frame as a form of protection for plants which need a liitle cosseting before they are planted out. Sweet Williams are a good illustration.
So - if it's sunny, ventilate it completely, or they'll cook! If it's mild-ish, then leave the vents open, and if it's really cold...close it up. Remember to ventilate whenever you can, and also to water the plants (obvious - sorry!
When the evenings start getting colder, I close up the greenhouse and the coldframe in the late afternoon, but I leave a little tiny gap for air when I can, which avoids botrytis.
24 Sep, 2009