If you're short on space but keen to grow your own salads and vegetables, then a cold frame is the space-saving solution for you. These compact structures play the role of mini greenhouses, usually with a hinged lid made from glass or plexiglass to allow light in whilst keeping the cold and rain out.
Right now, Wayfair is stocking a stylish wooden cold frame that is lightweight, easy to assemble, and currently 40% off, making it a brilliant buy for any gardener hoping to harvest arugula, lettuce, herbs and tomatoes this summer. It is well-designed, simple to use and takes up little room - perfect for patios, balconies or any compact yard.
As a professional gardener, I have used cold frames in several public and private gardens where I've worked across the UK and Italy, and I can say with confidence that even the smallest cold frames can enable you to grow plenty. So, whether you are a beginner gardener with a new plot or a seasoned expert short on space, cold frame ideas are worth exploring, and in my opinion, they are a worthwhile gardening investment.
Why use a cold frame in small yards?
If you have a compact yard, such as a terrace, patio or balcony, you might assume that greenhouse ideas are out of the realm of the possible.
However, cold frames are a good option for any level of gardener and any sized plot. And we love this wooden cold frame, available at Wayfair, currently priced at 40% off.
There are many benefits to using a cold frame. Firstly, in cooler northern regions, such as US hardiness zones 3, 4, 5 and 6, you might find that you have to delay starting crops until May or June due to late frosts and cold evening temperatures.
However, with a cold frame, you can start sowing much earlier and continue growing much later into the fall months. In fact, you might find your salads will grow right through until November.
In addition, fast-growing vegetables, salads and herbs will grow far quicker in a cold frame than they might in your traditional outdoor bed. Try this heirloom salad seeds mix from Amazon, which comes with a range of delicious options to grow in your cold frame this year.
And, in small spaces, reaping quick harvests from April until November will help you make the most of your space and grow as many different species as possible.
For more small vegetable garden ideas, consider learning how to use grow bags, which are a quick and cost-effective way to grow potatoes and other crops in compact spaces. Simply fill them with good quality potting soil, and watch your crops grow.
Try these reasonably priced grow bags from Amazon, which have a viewing window to monitor when your potatoes are ready to harvest.
Shop cold frames
This smart cold frame is measures 39 x 25 x 15 inches, making it deep and wide enough to provide plenty of room for your vegetables, herbs, and salad crops. The wooden frame is made of cedar to extend durability, and it comes with transparent 4mm double-walled plastic panels allow maximum light transmission.
This compact cold frame is perfect for growing your own crops in a small space. It measures 35.5 x 31.5 x 23 inches, providing ample space for a selection of basil, tomatoes, lettuce and microgreens. The translucent acrylic panels will maximize sunlight absorption, ensuring your plants thrive in diverse weather conditions.
This robust raised cold frame is easy to assemble, and has an aluminium frame and PC board, with a supporting galvanized steel base, to ensure that your plants are kept safe during the growing season. It measures 39.4 x 39.4 x 33.5 inches, and comes in a green, black or gray finish, working well with any garden aesthetic.
