March Planting and Cold Frames
Have you started planting things yet for your garden this spring? It is
coming fast this year and one of the earlier springs we have had recently. Here
are a few things you can do before planting time. Check your soil; do you need
to amend it with anything? Depending on where you live you may want to have a
few cold frames ready just in case your zones still may be experiencing frost. Or
even a day of winds. Here is how to build a cold frame.
Cold Frames made Simple
Things you will need:
- Jig saw
- Drill
- Measure
- Pencil
- Miter saw
- Straight edge
- 2-4 Hinges with screws
- Hook and latch with screws
- Box of screws 2 1/2 “
- Old window frame
- 2x4x8’ rot resistant planks depending on size of window
- 1-2x2x8 used for the corner braces
Measure the window the long length to give length for front and back
plank length. Measure and cut 3 planks to the size of the window. The third
plank is for the back side to add height for drainage.
Next Measure the short side of the window and this will be the length
of each side of the cold frame. Cut 2 (1) for each side.
Cut a 3rd plank the same size and mark an angle from one
corner to the opposite side to make a wedge using your straightedge. This is in
order to let the rain run off of the window and give a more direct sunlight
pattern on the plants. Each piece will be placed from back to front at a downward
slope of the top side piece when screwed together on each side.
Once that is done cut the corner pieces that will be used for bracing
to the corners of the 2 back planks then add the side piece bottom plank first
then add the top wedge piece to the top of that. The front corner braces can
be measured and cut. And placed in each corner.
Now that you have your box created you can now add the window to the
top. Place the hinges on the top edge of the back side of the box then add the
window to the top and screw the second part of the hinge. In the front edge of
the window in the middle add the hook and the latch to the middle front part of
your box. Your box is now ready to be placed in your garden area. To keep the
box from touching the ground, a frame of brick to the bottom edges can be laid . Add your
soil and you are ready to plant.
What to grow
for your zone.
1-2 zones you being that you are in an
area that the frost is not expected to end soon here are a few things you can
grow.
- Asparagus
- Celery
- Chives
- Endive
- Leeks
- Radishes
Zone 3 – 4 these all can be started inside
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussel Sprouts
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Potatoes
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Carrots
Zone 6 Roses, trees and shrubs can safely
be planted outside. Plants that
were started indoors can be transferred outside.
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
Zone 7
- Carrots
- Beets
- Kohlrabi
- Lettuce
- Turnips
- Swiss Chard
Transplant
- Onions
- Shallots
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- White Potatoes
- Collards
- Asparagus
- Chives
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Zone 8
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Mustards
- Beets
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Squash
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
Zone 9 is basically the same as 8 but you
can add
- Asian Greens
- Lettuce
- Parsley
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Spinach
Zone 10 All of the above and can be add
- Okra
- Sweet Potatoes
- Melons
Use those cold frames for indoor plants that have been transferred
outside or start seeds recommended for your zone. This will protect them just
in case there is a sudden drop in temperatures. I hope this helps you get
started on your garden.
Quote of the
day:
“God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of
human pleasures.” Francis Bacon
Scripture of
the day:
Ps. 119:2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, who search for him
with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness; they walk in his ways.
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