Cold Frames & Early Planting: Extending Your Growing Season
Spring might still feel like a distant dream, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until warm weather to start planting! If you’re like me—eager to get your hands in the dirt as soon as possible—then cold frames, row covers, and low tunnels can be game changers. These simple tools allow you to start crops like lettuce, spinach, and brassicas weeks (or even months) before you normally could. They protect tender seedlings from frost and chilly nights, giving you a head start on the season and extending your harvest into the cooler months. Let’s dive in!
What is a Cold Frame?
A cold frame is like a mini greenhouse—it’s a low, enclosed box with a clear top that lets in sunlight while trapping heat inside. I like to think of it as a cozy winter coat for my plants, shielding them from harsh temperatures while still giving them access to fresh air and sunshine. If you’ve ever wished you could start your garden earlier or keep it going longer, a cold frame might be exactly what you need.
Cold frames can be as simple or as fancy as you like. Some people repurpose old windows and scrap wood, while others build custom boxes with adjustable lids for ventilation. The key is finding a sunny spot where your plants can soak up as much daylight as possible. I position mine along the south side of my house to maximize warmth, and on sunny days, I prop the top open a bit to prevent overheating.
Best Crops for Cold Frames
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Swiss chard
- Broccoli and other brassicas
One of the biggest advantages of a cold frame is how much it extends the gardening season. In early spring, I use mine to harden off seedlings, gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the main garden. In the fall, it helps me keep a steady supply of greens going long after the first frost.
But perhaps my favorite part of using a cold frame is harvesting fresh lettuce and spinach in the dead of winter. There’s nothing quite like walking out to my garden in January, lifting the lid, and finding beautiful, crisp greens ready to pick. If you’ve never experienced the joy of winter gardening, trust me—you’re in for a treat!
Row Covers: An Easy & Affordable Option
If you’re looking for an even simpler way to protect your plants, row covers are an excellent option. These lightweight fabric covers create a barrier between your crops and the elements. They shield seedlings from frost, keep soil temperatures stable, and even deter pests.
There are two main types of row covers:
- Floating Row Covers – These lay directly over your crops and are secured around the edges with rocks, bricks, or garden staples. They provide light frost protection and help retain moisture
2. Hooped Row Covers – Supported by metal or plastic hoops, these create a tunnel-like structure over your garden beds, offering more significant frost protection and better airflow.
Why Use Row Covers?
- Extend your growing season by keeping soil temperatures warmer
- Protect against unexpected late frosts in spring or early frosts in fall
- Reduce pest damage without using chemicals
- Keep soil from drying out on windy days
One of my favorite things about row covers is how versatile they are. You can use them over entire garden beds or even just individual plants that need extra protection. I’ve had great success using them over my brassicas to keep cabbage worms at bay, and they’re an absolute lifesaver when an unexpected cold snap hits.
Low Tunnels: Greenhouses on a Budget
Low tunnels are a step up from row covers but still much simpler (and cheaper) than a full greenhouse. They consist of metal or PVC hoops covered with clear plastic, creating a protective, high-humidity environment for your plants. Low tunnels work exceptionally well for extending the season of cold-hardy crops like spinach, kale, and carrots.
I love using low tunnels in my garden because they allow me to grow greens throughout the winter. Even when there’s snow on the ground, my little tunnel shelters tender plants and keeps them thriving. On sunny days, temperatures inside can rise significantly, so I make sure to vent the ends to prevent overheating.
Pros of Low Tunnels:
- Provide better insulation than row covers
- Protect plants from wind, snow, and freezing temperatures
- Help retain soil warmth for early spring planting
- Can be easily removed or repositioned as needed
Getting Started: DIY Cold Frames & Covers
If you’re feeling inspired, you can build your own cold frame or row cover setup with just a few supplies. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
DIY Cold Frame
What You Need:
- Wood (cedar or untreated lumber)
- An old window or clear plastic lid
- Hinges (for easy opening and closing)
- Screws and a drill
- Weatherproofing sealant (optional)
How to Build:
- Construct a box – Build a simple rectangular frame using wood, ensuring it’s sturdy enough to hold the top covering.
- Attach the lid – Secure the window or plastic sheet with hinges so you can prop it open for ventilation.
- Position your cold frame – Place it in a sunny, south-facing location.
- Start planting! – Sow seeds directly inside, or use the cold frame to harden off transplants before moving them to the garden.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Every Season
Gardening isn’t just a spring and summer hobby—it’s a year-round adventure if you know how to work with the seasons. With cold frames, row covers, and low tunnels, you can outsmart the weather and grow fresh food for longer. There’s something magical about harvesting crisp lettuce in February or pulling up sweet winter carrots in January.
For me, homesteading is all about finding ways to work with nature, not against it. These simple tools have transformed how I garden, allowing me to stay connected to the land even when the world outside is chilly and gray. If you’ve ever wished for a longer growing season, I encourage you to give these methods a try.
Happy gardening, and here’s to fresh greens all year long!
Have you tried cold frames or season extenders in your garden? Share your experiences!