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Cold frame/growhouse advice

Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
edited August 2018 in Tools and techniques
Looking at getting one for propagating and such like. Are they fine for overwintering small/new plants or will it still be too cold?

For example, I've just sown a load of foxglove seeds in a tray, is something like that fine to leave in a cold frame over the winter or are they likely to be too fragile?

Perhaps it'd be easier to ask what a cold frame is no use for when it comes to this.

Best sited in a sunny spot I trust?

Glass worthwhile over the plastic covered ones?

Posts

  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    I had one, never used it, because of the watering aspect. If you put the lid on  in the winter then you have to water, if you don't then it's the same as the outside environment. Just my opinion. 
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Foxgloves, aquilegias and the like don't need cosseting in a coldframe, they will be fine outdoors.
    It depends where you are, here a cold frame would be too cold for most things that might benefit from some protection. My greenhouse is kept just frost free and is always stuffed! Tender perennials need more warmth than a cold frame provides.
    It would be good for things like Echinacea that can take cold, but not wet, over winter, but is most useful when it comes to growing on young plants and hardening things off in the early half of the year. Also good for giving a little shelter to salad plants.

  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    It's not likely I'll be dealing with tender perennials over winter, more hardy, very young ones.

    For anything requiring more warmth I've got a table in the conservatory I can use.
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