I think a coldframe could be useful for you. I would recommend the use of automatic opening devices to regulate the temperature. These lifting devices are very dependable nowadays and only depend on the construction being careful to keep the loads within their power range. Al

Thanks Al, I will definitely look into that. Especially with our 60 days even in February, I might need some regular air venting. If we could hook it up to the TV remote, my DH might even help--just kidding.

Yes! I'm in Redwood City (Bay Area) I'm on year three. You can see my setup on my blog.

Here is a link that might be useful: Liisa's Garden Journey

When I was in grade school we lived on one site and gardened in another. The site where we lived was too shady for a garden so we made the garden on a another ranch five miles away. In those days you could get your tomatoes off to an early start by using what was called a "Hotcap" over each plant. If the sun was allowed to shine on the "Hotcap" in a few minutes the plant was cooked. We were hard pressed to get over to the garden to remove the hotcaps every sunny morning, and we did not always make it. Al