Coldframe latest endeavor

[shepp]

I have been sweating for days trying to get this project done.
as soon as this is done i am putting up a second.wish i had lots of people helping.

http://www.landspro.com/sheppcf01.JPG

[shepp]

cant wait to start filling it up.this is a 14x48 coldframe.


http://www.landspro.com/sheppcf02.JPG

[Ann B.]

Shepp,

That is really nice! I do believe I like it better than the big greenhouse.

Don't forget you promised to give me some pointers when I am ready to get started with mine.

Thanks for posting the pictures. When you get a chance, maybe you can tell us more about how it is constructed.

Enjoy!

[Gene]

Shepp
That is really nice.Did you use the top rail of hurrican fence to make your bows. I'm also in the process of building me a 14 by 60 greenhouse I can't wait got my plastic last week and the bows are suppose to be bent and ready to go also. But it is soo hot here although I got an automatic sprinkler to water most my shrubs It still takes me 15 minutes to water the rest and I'm soaking wet (sweat) when I go back in the house. I really have fallen in love progating plants and watching them grow. good luck and don't get two hot. Gene

[shepp]

hi
it is one inch schedule 40.
when i put up the other half and it is done i have toprail from old hurricane fence.i will be using it.i think i will bend it so it 12 wide and use taller ground stakes.that way i will have a taller coldframe for trees. and these pipes were plenty hot the days i was putting it up.

[shepp]

this is the east end with the plywood end on now.with the help of deck screws i installed this by myself. i was glad it wasnt windy .i hinged the door , and i can remove it in the summer so it lasts longer,i can just slide the hinge pins up and out .

in the winter it can be shut up tight.


http://www.landspro.com/gh_door_out.JPG

[shepp]

these pics are of how the diagonal brace and purlin pipes are attached. the long end will be cut off before the plywood is put on the west end.

http://www.landspro.com/purlins_attachment.JPG

[shepp]

this shows the lower end of the brace.

http://www.landspro.com/brace_attachment.JPG

[shepp]

i drilled and used deck screws to attach the upright 2x4's.
the pipe is only 1 inch. so this made this method easy.

[shepp]

i kept it simple , only 4 2x4's . i still have to put a 2x6 across the top where the door meets the pipe. this will give me a place to attach the white plastic and still permit the door to be opened .

you can see the irrigation system is on.hanging about 1 ft below the purlin, 1 inch pvc with a mixture of mist heads that make big droplets. i still have some bugs to work out of this .


http://www.landspro.com/gh_door_in.JPG



EMT Clamps:

http://www.landspro.com/emt_clamp_1.JPG

http://www.landspro.com/emt_clamp_2.JPG

[Begonia]

Shepp,

You seem to know quite a bit about greenhouses. My lovely wife has been wanting one for a long time. Ann has given many pointers and we are learning. You seem to know the terms for all the parts required. Is there a book or a web site that explains all these parts?

We would prefer not to go with PVC. Our concern is the same as Ann has expressed to us. We will be housing valuable plants and do not wish them destroyed by a heavy storm.

Paul

[shepp]

hi
sounds like you need a professional. a hobby greenhouse just wont do. and i dont blame you . i wouldnt ever recomend one for the northern climates. check out this website for dealers near you .
this cold frame is a duffield of west virginia no website available. but try here.
www.atlasgreenhouse.com
1 800 346 9902
georgia .
they have a very nice coldframe thats 24 x 96 for 883. frame only
would make a nice gh . let me know if this is enuf info shepp

[shepp]

hi again . you can also attend trade shows in your area . lots of free info availabe at those. lots of people willing to show you there products.
i dont know of a specific website or book with the parts.
i do have books but none i would recomend.
again go to that website. and feel free to ask for there info by mail . those salespeaople from atlas are always willing to help.
let us know how you make out .shepp

[Begonia]

Shepp, Thanks for your input. It is quite helpful.

Ann has spoken highly of you, and I can see why.

We are definitely going with an idea similar to your cold frame. I am going to do my best to keep the costs down though.

My dear wife is ill, but she is a wonderful person, and I want to do this for her. Ann has taught her a lot, and even though I am not good with this pc and web site thing I am learning. And Ann is good at reminding us that we have much to benefit from my learning it.

Many thanks to you for your time. I know from what Ann tells us that you are very busy starting you own nursery business.

Paul

[mwhite]

Shepp,

I am in zone 5, so would be similar to your climate. I know you grow a lot of plants. Why are you building a coldframe? Just for winter protection? Just curious as to why. I was planning on covering my plants but with something a little less complicated and smaller. Does it help extend the growing season on either end?

And what will you do with it in the summer? Strip off the plastic? I built a hoophouse about 10x10 and it is too hot in the summer. Next year I'll build a shade enclosure instead.

I see you have a greenhouse as well. Do you heat that and keep it going all winter? I'm trying to understand how you use your greenhouse and coldframe in conjunction with each other.

Lots of questions I know. Enquiring minds....

thanks,

M White

[shepp]

Hi Malcolm
there are multiple uses for coldframes. the most important to me is winter protection and storage of my shrubs.
i lost many last winter from being to wet and the potting media freezing.i wont cover this coldframe untill about nov or december.
i feel my temps moderate enuf that i shouldnt have to cover any sooner.I will have the white plastic on hand just in case it needs to go on any sooner.
come spring time when temps are moderate again i will trash the white plastic, first by opening the doors and letting the air flow thru and when the temps warm up even more by slashing X's in between each bow to to let more built up heat out. the object is to keep the shrubs dormant as long as i can. new tender growth could be setback by a late frost which sometimes is clear into May here.
i can also use this coldframe in the summer with shade cloth over it , wish i would have had some over it this summer. it was a scorcher here all summer.
as far as the greenhouse you see in the back ground i dont heat it as of yet. it has been used to finsish off plants i start in my smaller heated greenhouse ,hanging baskets and such as that.
in another year or so this house will be a coldframe also, for taller
trees etc.
i recently have finished the excavating to put in a 20x96 ft greenhouse and the venting will be moved to it from the one you see in the background.
you asked how i use in conjuction , well thats really not the case or the purpose. that greenhouse was used to allow me to get some cash flow going to run the nursery.
when the 3 year greenhouse plastic goes bad it will become a coldframe. i store my potting soil mixer inside along with other nursery equip ment. hope this helps answer some of my methods to my madness

[mwhite]

Shepp,

Thanks for the info. I am in Mid-MO, Zone 5b, and our soil is mostly clay. All my plants are in pots and I can't really dig holes in the ground for geothermal protection - they just fill up with water when it rains.

I built a small pvc hoophouse and covered it with white plastic. I've used it for propagation & mist & to keep the critters out of my seedlings. It's been too hot to be really useful, and I will use shadecloth and netting next year instead of plastic.

Thanks for all the pics and info.

-Malcolm

[goldeneagle]

Hi Everyone -
Noticed the discussion about the cold frame and green house - would love to have something like that but - I have a problem - maybe you all could give me some advice - you see its just myself and my Mom - I am 55 and Mom is 83 and she cant really do much anymore - and I have a problem with my bones- not being able to life heavy objects - so what kind of ideas could we use in fixing a cold frame or even a green house - there are no men in our lives to do any of this kind of work and we sure don't have the money to hire any builders -
Heres hoping someone can give me an idea of what I can do to help save my plants -

:confused:

[mwhite]

I'm 53, so not too far behind you. I would suggest using 1/2" PVC. It is very light weight, easy to cut, readily available and low in cost. You can find examples of a PVC coldframe at this web site.

http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/juliana.shtml

You can also search the internet. I've found lots of information, pictures, etc.

They're very easy to make from scratch. Cutting the pipe is very easy. And you don't need to glue it. Just tap it together with a rubber mallet so you get a snug fit.

You can use a clear plastic sheet and hold it on with 2" metal binder clips from an office supply store. If you spend just a little more money you can get PVC pipe that is treated for UV rays. That will make it last a little longer. But it is so cheap that cost is barely a consideration.

IF you don't want to use plastic, you can use greenhouse fiberglass or plexiglass. Your local Lowe's, Home Depot or similar type store will have it and can cut it to fit your needs.

Here's a picture of a little hoophouse I built with 1/2" PVC, a handfull of fittings, and one 10' x 20' roll of plastic. It cost me under $40.

http://www.middlecity.com/hoophouse.jpg

It provides a nice enclosure. It is now jammed full of plants and is closed off on both ends, because my night temps are getting down in the 40s. I have my seedlings and mist in there. I will overwinter some shrubs and trees in there, and put in a sandbed for hardwood cuttings. Next summer I will use it as a shadehouse for misting cuttings.

PVC is light weight, cheap and easy to work with, and you should be able to do anything you need. If you stick it up against the house on the south side you will get some good solar heating during the winter.

You don't need a huge elaborate structure. My mom used to make coldframes out of old storm windows, and some scrap wood. They were only about 18"-24" tall. Build it to suit your needs and what you are able to handle.

-Malcolm

[Glen in BCz7]

Hi goldeneagle--I have never built a for real greenhouse or anything close, just low plastic covered tunnels according to the recipe on this site http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/nurs-index.html

These have worked great for protecting plants over the winter as well as propagating. I'm no builder but these can be nailed together easy enough for even me to get it done in a couple hours. Maybe this would work for you too--Glen in BC

[goldeneagle]

THANKS - Malcolm and Glen -

Thank you both for the ideas - and the PVC I think I could handle that - and placing it on the South side of the house - now that is a good idea - never thought about putting it up by the house - but it would be ideal - we have an old back room that is connected to the back of the house and it has a cornered off section just right for a small framed in area - the North and East sides would be protected by the house (on the east side)

Thank You so much - !!!!!!:)

[Ann B.]

Hi, Everyone!

I went to the Atlas Greenhouse link that Shepp gave us, and as I ventured around their web site, I noticed that they offer a free catalog. I sent off for it and received it last Monday. It is very informative 50 page catalog. I recommend that anyone interested in building and/or purchasing a greenhouse request this catalog. Even if you do not plan to build a greenhouse/coldframe as substantial as Shepp's, there is a lot to be learned from the catalog.

They include a section on Hard-to-Find Equipment & Supplies and they have a lot more than what you see on their web site.

Here's the link to request the catalog:

Free Atlas Greenhouse 2002 Grower's Catalog (http://www.atlasgreenhouse.com/catalog.html)

Enjoy!

[darlajean]

Shepp, in an earlier post you mentioned a potting soil mixer. My husband built me a 3-sided frame with a slanted bottom that I can shovel everything into & mix it up with the little tiller. This works but it is not ideal. I was thinking of getting a cement mixer. I'd love to know what you (and everyone else) are using. Just seems like I'm doing it the hard way.

darlajean

[shepp]

hi Darla
i dont know about everyone else .
but i use a cement mixer.
does real well for me .
saves alot of work . and i sit the wheelbarrow sideways and let it fill it while its still turning after mixing thoroughly.
hope that helps .saves my back .
shepp zone5/6

[mwhite]

Lowe's has a light weight mixer, with a molded plastic-type hopper (very durable material), for around $100. No rust, light weight, easy to clean, inexpensive. I think it will be ideal for mixing.

[goldeneagle]

First to: Darlajean - just to let you know I mix everything the old fashion way - by hand/shovel/and rake - :)

Secondly to MWhite- Really appreciate the info about the mixer - now whenever I make $100 - then I know where to go to get one -- that would be a lot easier and then maybe I won't strain anymore muscles in my back and arms - it really is hard when you can only lift 20 pounds or less - it takes forever to toss and turn all that mixture --

Thirdly to Ann-- Thanks about the site to get the catalog about frames/houses -- I just ordered myself one of those catalogs -

[darlajean]

Shepp & MWhite

Thanks! Now I know what my husband is going to buy me for Christmas.


Goldeneagle - years ago when I was a spoiled little girl, I used to say that my hands didn't fit on a shovel. Now I have not only an assortment of shovels & rakes but two pairs of heavy duty leather gloves. When I'm all sweaty & dirty I can't believe how "dainty" I used to think I was! ;)


darlajean

[goldeneagle]

Darla -

What you said about dainty - ;) - I know what you mean - for 23 yrs I swore I would neverdo that kind of menial chore - I worked in an office all those years - and then retired - now I work harder than I ever did back in the office - but I must confess - I love working in the garden and setting out new plants - and whether I make any money or not- from my new business-- at least I will enjoy what I raise now - my next big quest is raising galdiolus - everyone here in zone 8 Texas - they say its to hard to raise them - and they tell me all kinds of negative remarks - but Mom had a few growing for over 8 years and now of course they are lacking some of the beauty they once had - but they were never properly cared for and I am getting all the information I can to do the job right - I just love gladiolas blooming and having them in the house - anyway - TAKE CARE - and oh yes - those working gloves - yep got them too -several pair !! ha ha

[Ann B.]

Well, I can honestly say that I have never been accused of being 'dainty'. LAS! Perhaps that is because I have always been somewhat on the tall side, but my oldest sister will tell you in an instant that I am the 'frail' one due to my thin bone structure, I suppose, as compared to hers, anyway....

Malcolm, thanks for letting us know about the small mixer at Lowes. I can assure you that I will be checking into that!

Beth, I am going to create a new thread on the main forum about Gladiolus which are one of my favorite to grow for long lasting cut flowers.

Thanks, Shepp for telling us about the wonderful idea of using a small cement mixer for preparing soil! It truly sounds like a real back saver to me...

[goldeneagle]

Ann -

Oh WOW - I will really be looking forward to that new thread about GLADIOLUS -

THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH !!!!!

[shepp]

Your welcome Darla,Beth ,and Ann.
i have a electric model , i want to add- for your protection to use a GFCI when using it.
Ground fault circuit interupter.
consult a electrician.
shepp zone5/6

[Ann B.]

Atlas charges $175 to deliver the $522 coldframe from GA to here. I suppose that isn't too bad, considering the size.

BWI does not stock them locally. Bummer!

If you call Atlas, they will quote delivery cost based on your zip code...

Good Luck!

[shepp]

those prices are for a southern climate greenhouse and not for northern climates. those prices are for bows that are 6 feet on center and 4 feet oc is what is needed for snow loads.
17 bows in the south 24 bows in the north. the difference of 7 bows. 14 ground stakes and clamps and screws, a substantial price difference.

i thought anyone should see the difference, and not find out the hard way .but i am sure Atlas would tell the novice that when they noticed the shipping destination.
Shepp

Ann i hope you get one and not a PVC G house.

[Ann B.]

Thank you, Shepp, for pointing that out!

Right now, I am considering all my options....

I'll let you know what I decide!

Till Later...

[blairme]

Ann, check out Morton's Horticultural Products also. I got quotes from both Atlas & Morton's - looking at the total package, their prices were neck & neck. I decided to go with Morton's because they will deliver, unload & erect the steel for what I thought was a reasonable price. Atlas indicates that they will deliver, but the customer is responsible for unloading - which of course isn't a problem if you've got someone around to help. Morton's is in McMinnville, TN, so I think Atlas is closer to you, but you never know. Morton's number is 800-473-7753. Good Luck. Marilyn

[Ann B.]

Oh, Thank You, Marilyn!


I will definitely have to check into the unloading factor...

I am so glad you pointed that out, for I am usually here alone when things are delivered. I am sure others appreciate knowing that also...

Thanks!

[Ann B.]

Shepp was kind enough to remind me that direct contact between PVC and greenhouse films can reduce the longevity of greenhouse plastic. I searched the internet and found an article written by AT Plastics which explains the reason for this.

"Direct contact with PVC pipe, PVC tapes or lagging made with plasticized PVC can also provide a source of damaging chlorine to act upon the HALS stabilizer and the polymer itself."

The following is a link to a good article to read about the effects of PVC and other chemicals commonly used in greenhouses. It is somewhat technical, but worth reading if you plan on using UV rated greenhouse film.

THE EFFECT OF CHEMICALS ON POLYETHYLENE FILM IN THE GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT (http://www.atplas.com/films/b_chemical.htm)

Another article by the same company:

MAXIMIZING THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF GREENHOUSE FILMS (http://www.atplas.com/films/b_extended.htm)

Shepp tells me that you can use foil tape on the PVC to prevent direct contact with the greenhouse plastic.

Thanks, Shepp, for that reminder!

Ann B.

[Ann B.]

Shepp's camera is fixed....

I asked him to hold off posting them until after the transition to the new Landspro server was successfully completely.

In the meantime, Shepp has sent pictures of his completed coldframe to me via email. I am going to post them for Shepp and as soon as he is can, he wants to add some comments/tips regarding each picture.

I don't know about you, but some of these pictures make my skin shiver. It looks mighty cold up there where Shepp is...

[shepp]

Picture #1

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020301.jpg


Picture #2

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020302.jpg

check out the hoarfrost on the nails .it was bitter cold that day this pic was taken.

[shepp]

Picture #3

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020303.jpg


Picture #4

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020304.jpg

[shepp]

Picture #5

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020305.jpg


Picture #6

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020306.jpg


hey Jim you stinker.i know you know all about the nails jim.
for those that dont know,
this is demonstrating the nails AKA duplex nails ,AKA form nails, used in building a concrete form so they can easily be removed after the concrete is set up , that is why they are double headed nails for removal of the nails from the furring strips to remove the white plastic to save for another year.
that saves a 80+ dollar sheet of coldframe plastic. throw the nails away remove the plastic on a dry day .and put the furring strips up in a dry space for use next winter.
also take note that the nails have been driven in at angles from each other, this is so when the plastic gallops in the wind irregardless how tight you stretch it it doesnt pull the furring strips off of the frame that the white plastic is wrapped around.
when stretching the plastic you will find that you will be wrapping and unwrapping so you can get the furring strip to lay flat against the base boards and the ends also so it can be pulled tight and nailed with the strip flat and plastic is tight .
i do the center at the top of each end first and then the center of the long sides at the base first with short pieces of furring strips
i then do all 4 corners at the base with temporary pieces to hold it all down because you know the wind is gonna blow when you put the plastic on.
i remove one of the corner temp pieces and start rolling up a 8 ft long strip in the plastic and nail it on with the nails driven at different angles from each other .
this is the same way you would put on greenhouse plastic.unless of course you want to spend the money on channel and wiggle wire. my was is just that MY WAY you all may have a better way , this works for moi.
i really wish i could have got a pic when the snow was over 2/3rds up the sides and it was looking like a igloo.my best guess was the snow was 5 feet deep and tapered back 8 feet.it got to the point i couldnt get near the coldframe unless i was in the snow over waist deep to use a push broom to get the heavy wet snows off of the top. i didnt want my first coldframe looking like
M &M's
also ice was forming more than a 1/8th inch thick on the inside those first few heavy snows making the weight even worse.
i was inside knocking the ice off and watering the shrubs with hard water.really hard water.
any way the coldframe survived and so did i . sometimes i looked the abominal snow man.
so you want have a nursery do ya.
shepp zone 5/6 just starting to thaw out from the winter of 2003.
greenhouse got to 82* degrees today. give me more.i want more.

[Jim Lang]

Shepp has a funny way of driving nails!

Looking good -- beginning to thaw.

[shepp]

what a difference a few months make. First i was complaining of sweating , now its cold. cant satisfy me huh .
in one of the pics i am posting i have my sunglasses stuck in the plastic to show the depth of snow,
another pic will show that i can remove a sheet of plywood to ventilate the coldframe as it warms up . at the other end the plywood door is on hinges ,that allowed winter access easily.

Picture #7

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020307.jpg


Picture #8

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020308.jpg

Picture #9

http://landspro.com/images/shepp020309.jpg

[shepp]

these are some inside shots of lots of hard work.
privets , junipers , japanese bloodgood maples, hakura nishiki willows.
dwf korean lilac. assorted perennials,potentilla. wiegela,arborvitaes, and much more.
i emailed the pics to Ann so she can crop to size.

http://www.landspro.com/images/sh_cf_3.jpg


http://www.landspro.com/images/sh_cf_4.jpg


http://www.landspro.com/images/sh_cf_5.jpg


shepp zone5/6
BTW the plastic comes off in a week and the shade cloth goes on.
i am gonna try to remove the plastic and save it for next year.
we will see if it works. i hope :)

[sue salley]

All that hard work paid off. Your plants look GREAT.

[shepp]

Thanks sue.
nothing gets done watchin tv.
action speaks loudly.
how bad do we want it.
i was discussing tonite that i better have 4 coldframes up in the next year . or suffer if i dont .
my suggestion to most northerners is get 1 or 2 if you want to be in the biz.
my climate is harsh at most times it paid me back to have this one this winter.
i am in amazement when i walk thru .
i hope to find help this weekend to uncover it!

[sue salley]

Shepp,
We used our big greenhouse as to winter over our plants. I'm sure we would have lost some had we not done that. But...the greenhouse was so full we had a hard time getting around and starting anything this spring. We plan on getting a smaller house up to heat and using the big one to winter over again next year.
Do you keep your perennials in the cold frame. Some that were left outside did well and we had pretty rough winter.Most of my shade plants stay out buried under leaves. They also survived well.
We have a lot milder winter than you but we see the need for cold frames here,too.

[vicki]

Shepp & Sue,
I can definitely see where you need a coldframe or greenhouse. My 2 yr. old forsythia & weigela I would be potting up are broke and I'm bummed. Looks like a giant walked thru the cutting bed. Not all but a lot of them are broke!:mad:
The bed will definitely have a cover next winter!

[shepp]

Vickie a 24 by 48 coldframe is worth every penny spent.
it = lots of plants saved.
sue yes i do keep perennials in the coldframe and GH coldframe is better. it takes just a little water where the GH takes much more water and time.
##################
what would be your top 5 perennials if you could only do 5?.
just from a selling standpoint and not your own preference!
############################
and what would be your best growers .

[sue salley]

Well Shepp. I'll let you know my best sellers after this weekend. Got a big (I hope) show Sat. and Sun.
Herb wise my 5 perennials would be:Catnip (big seller)
lavender
rosemary
chives-winter well and bloom early
oregano-winters well multiplies well
Other perennials:
lavender has to go here too
hostas -grow well and multiply freely
day and oriental lilies-multiply quicky
sweeet williams (double) bloom well-spread well
jack-in-the-pulpit- hard to propagate but sell well
I am forgetting something I know. Am getting a list of all we sell so I can give the kids a price list to make it easier for them to help us do shows. Like I said I will let you know next week. It varies from year to year what sells best. One year ,for instance, hosta will fly out of our hands and other years you can't give them away. Anything in bloom will sell when it is in bloom.
The shade plants and wildflowers have gone exceptionally well the last 2 years as have the flowering shrubs. I think our trees go well because we sell nice trees at a smaller size and price that the big nurseries and people that can't afford a half grown tree can afford ours and are petient enough to wait a few years for the tree to grow. I think some of them enjoy raising the tree from a younger age.
Keep your fingers crossed it doesn't rain all weekend on our show.

[shepp]

Coldframe finally has the white plastic off and the shade cloth on.
2 extra hands showed up that made 7 total.
we were able to fold it long ways and then fold it like a flag and put it in the big box the shade cloth was in . i hope it keeps untill next winter.
as windy as it was it folded up quite nicely,very windy ,everyone was amazed it went so well .
shepp zone 5/6 low of 42 tonite.
didnt get the rain that was forcast the last 24 hrs.
this has been an april with no showers !
its time to start building more cutting beds tomorrow.

[sue salley]

Shepp,
So far the best sellers this weekend have been wildflowers and herbs.
I had to send for more shooting star, lily of the vally and pink lady's slippers. Goatsbeard sold well today as did a pink lilac that was in bloom.
Rained in the afternoon but the morning was good. Tomorow is supposed to be sunny and warm so hoping for another good day. We broke our old record for one day sales today.
Our son has been making rustic metal garden fence panels. They are really very nice. Sold 11 of them today for $18.each. Also some terra cotta birdhouses and pots we had made.
We spent a lot of money buying plants too. Lots of new mother plants! The people that do this show have a wide variety of plants and a lot of unusual and hard to find plants. I found a blue corydalis I have been looking for for a long time, and a cactus called a Tennessee walking stick that is hardy in zone 6. Never heard of it before but is really nice. I also found a night blooming cereus.Paid $4 for it. Great huh? Ilove what I do.

[Gene]

Sue allen
Was wondering about the rustic fence panels your son makes can you post a picture or tell us a little bit about them

[sue salley]

Gen, the rustic fence panels are beautiful. He made some of rebar but switched to another metal(not sure what it is but it is round). The finials fit it better than the rebar.I am trying to master the digital camera so I can post some pictures. I will get one when he gets some more made. He sold all he had made and has orders galore from the Garden Fair. I can get more info from him too. He welds them together. That much I know. He built some sort of frame to always get them even. You can tell I don't know much about it. But I will get you a picture when he gets some more made.

[Ann B.]

Shepp????

I think I understand a little better about the idea of a coldframe (unheated) vs. a greenhouse.

During the last real hard cold snap, I didn't even try to heat the old greenhouse. Yet, I knew there were still some tropical hibiscus cuttings, some houseplants and numerous other tender plants in the 'jungle'.

Today, I began clearning out the jungle of overgrown vines, and I found so very many plants that I had started that I didn't even remember were in there.

No heat, and they did just fine. The only damage was to plants that were close to the walls, windows or doors.

The old corrugated fiberglass has degraded dramatically in the last couple of years. I can't even get it clean anymore. It has become brittle, and needs to be replaced.

The frame and everything else, including the shelves are in remarkable shape considering the age of the greenhouse.

So, this winter and spring, I will remove all plant material, replace the corrugated fiberglass with polycarbonate, and my little greenhouse will become a 'coldframe'.

I must admit, because I know me, that the floodlights will be used to warm the exterior walls on those really cold nights.

Perhaps, I need a big COLDFRAME and a smaller greenhouse, huh?

[shepp]

it will only be a coldframe if you use white Poly carb. and maybe a less hot greenhouse in the summer.as long as its vented !