Does anyone use cold frames for winter sowing?

11 years ago

I know using a cold frame doesn't exactly fit the recycled container description of winter sowing. I am out of containers though so my husband built a hinged lid with heavy duty (somewhat clear) plastic on top of one of our raised beds for me to use. Will this work the same? I am also aware that this set up does not fit the exact description of a cold frame as it is not recessed into the ground. From what I have read I have learned watering will be more of a chore since there are no holes in the lid. Overall though, will it work? So far I have planted perennials in starter flats and solo cups. This is my first time winter sowing and I want to make the most of the space, but I am also nervous to be blowing through seeds at the rate i am without finding any stories of people using this method. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated! :)

Featured Answer

jbzone6
Original Author

11 years ago

Thank you both for giving such great suggestions. I stumbled upon winter sowing on pinterest and even though it seemed logical, I was a bit skeptical. I am so thankful that I researched further and found this wonderful forum. You all have made me a believer for sure! I had a little time off work and I have to admit I have probably spent several hours at this point rifling through numerous posts on this forum. I cannot believe how much I have learned from you all. (huge thanks!).....now I have to attempt to put it into practice lol.

jensyen-I will for sure be on the lookout for additional containers to continue using your method. So far, I have only rummaged up twelve that are also sown. As suggested, I am making notes and trying to keep them as organized as possible.

morz8-You are absolutely correct. He is quite proud of his work:) Now i just have to figure out how to break it to him that I will be slicing holes in the top if I can't keep up with propping it open when the weather warms up a bit;)

Again-huge thanks for the responses, the inspiration, and ALL the info. What a great find!

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Comments (6)

morz8 - Washington Coast
11 years ago
I haven't tried it, but I can't see why it wouldn't be successful. You seem to be aware you'll have to check for water/moisture so it might need some attention there. Another thought I have is when it begins to warm up a little, you may want to prop that lid during warmest hours of the day, you don't want to cook seedlings under that larger expanse of lid holding heat.

If your DH designed and built it for you, may be best if you give it your best try, they do take pride in trying to be helpful ;) And let us know how it works out, my guess is it will work for you.
jensyen ( z7 MD )
11 years ago
Your cold frame needs to be open to allow snow and rain to enter your containers. I would ask family and friends to save their 2 & 3 litre soda bottles, quart and gallon milk jugs and gallon water jugs for you. I used to hit the recycle centers but they may not be willing to part with them today. Good luck.
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morz8 - Washington Coast
11 years ago
jensyen, I don't know why hand watering from a can with sprinkler head or hose end nozzle on gentle couldn't take the place of leaving the top open to birds and squirrels. The seeds won't care if their moisture comes from the faucet or rain and snow.

I have several pots on a wired wheeled cart under the deep overhang of my house outside this office window, the deer are less likely to nose around them there. I've been watering every 10 days or so with the sprinkling can - no rain reaches them where they are.
jensyen ( z7 MD )
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Sure, you can open and water when needed. It might be hard to get to it when the deep snow is covering it. I'm thinking, maybe change the top to a braced screen of some sort to follow the winter sow technique. I think WinterSown.org methods are easier, IMHO. I just set them and forget them. Until Spring when they start to dry. The deer here leave my containers alone, but the neighbor's dog is a different story.
jensyen ( z7 MD )
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Jbzone6- I put some info about making winter sowing containers in my 'idea book'. Also, If you haven't already, check out trudi_d here for her informative posts about winter sowing.

Winter Sowing FAQ http://faq.gardenweb.com/forums/winter-sowing-faq

Or read about it at her site WinterSown.org.