Cold Frames and Mini Greenhouses

As the name suggests, a cold frame is a wooden-framed box with a transparent cover or lid. The cold frame sits on the ground to provide extra warmth for seed germination, planting of bulbs and seedlings’ growth. The ability to open and close the lid means you have some control over the temperature inside the frame, especially at night.

Consuming limited floor space, a cold frame is a simple solution that acts as a halfway house between a warm windowsill and your greenhouse. While not essential, cold frames are helpful for tender young plants cultivation. This is especially the case when you want to grow vegetables, young seedlings or protect taller plants from freezing air, wind and wet conditions.

Many gardeners who face fluctuating outside temperatures during the winter months, spring, summer and autumn will find our mini greenhouses especially useful. Their clear sides, transparent cover and easy-access design help you make the most of ground-level space, support more plants and can be easily moved to suit your layout.

If you are short of space, they are ideal for limited-space gardens. They provide more space for plants to thrive, create stronger growth and get a head start before planting out. Loose plastic covers can be used temporarily, but a wooden cold frame remains the more durable and stable option.

All these aspects extend the growing season, which is useful if you want to start sowing early or provide frost protection to your precious producers when the weather is tricky during the late spring. Although they do not provide the humidity and temperature control of a warm greenhouse, they are a great space-saver and ideal for beginners.

Choosing the position in your garden is important to make the most of your cold frame. Your miniature greenhouse can sit on any surface if it is flat and sturdy. Some solid ground is preferred as you will be storing pots and delicate peat seedling containers. If your garden is mainly shaded without much sunshine, find a position in a sunny spot or make the most of a warm area next to the external house wall. Placing your cold frame near your home also means shorter journeys when carrying out those early spring hardening rituals.

The Forest 4’x2’ Large Wooden Cold Frame is a good size for a go-between windowsill and greenhouse and is supplied with a fifteen-year guarantee. The Forest 3’x4’ Victorian Walkaround Greenhouse With Auto Vent is the next step up. The Palram Canopia 4’x2’ Ivy Polycarbonate Mini Greenhouse is a fantastic option for gardeners who prefer a rust-resistant aluminium frame and galvanised steel perimeter base. Why not check out the entire greenhouse range here?

For further details about cold frames and miniature greenhouses, why not read our Greenhouse Buying Guide - Decision 1: Greenhouse design and size?

We sell a host of outdoor living products that make it easier to embrace an outdoors lifestyle. From solar lighting to decking kits right through to awnings and garden rooms.

Here is a list of just a few of the items we sell that might catch your interest:

• Composters and compost bins
• Garden bars and mobile bars
• Garden furniture including garden tables and benches
• Gazebos with and without seating
• Sheds and tool storage
• Planters with trellis for vertical planting
• Raised beds and greenhouses
• Swing & slide sets, and playhouses
• Wheelie bin storage
• Garden offices and garden buildings 

The above is an example of what is for sale, but it is not a full list. For example, if you want a pergola or a garden arch to frame your pathway, we also sell every design and size that you'll need.

The Buy Fencing Direct team is committed to helping you find the best mini greenhouses and cold frames for sale. Why risk making the wrong decision when you buy a wooden cold frame or miniature greenhouse from us? All the expert advice you need is available.
 
Call our team today on 0333 003 0515. Alternatively, you can send us an email using our contact page form. We also offer real-time conversations using our Live Chat feature. To access this, click on the orange icon at the bottom left corner of any page.