I wrap my little lilacs, that are the same size as your plants, in Jobes tree wrap, and then I close-pin burlap around each one, tightly. Neither voles, nor rabbits have gotten through. And hopefully neither will turkeys. :/

I really like what you've done. It's impressive. I wish I was handy like you and could do something like that.

That's a really nice cage but the cold will not do any good for the tree roots. When in the ground it will protect from the worst cold and temperatures will even out a bit, but when plants are in pots the soil will freeze solid. You could try to cover the pots in leaves or something like that for some insulation.

The pots of seedlings will be dug down into the dirt. Then a layer of mulch over the soil. The plastic over the top is mainly protection from ice and dessicating winds. I think it gives them maybe an extra 1/2 zone protection.

You would probably be better off using frost protection fabric rather than plastic. 6x3 feet is very small and plastic , even white opaque plastic, will cause overheating and stagnant air within the enclosure. Fabric will allow for some air circulation while still protecting against wind and ice.

Coldframe is not airtight and is not in sun so I dont worry about overheating. Small rodents are another matter.

Dave, you have given me serious ideas about a winter cover for my pond, as its a winter buffet for herons. I've been draping netting over it and then struggle to get in for the occasional maintenence issue. Thanks for that!

I throw all my fall leaves around the pots as mulch. Probably second best thing to being in the ground, and in my zone 7 climate is usually more than sufficient. Honestly, a lot would probably do fine without any mulch at all, but I don't like taking chances.

indianagardengirl, I've had a blue heron that hung around my stream off and on even in mid-winter. Surprising as I thought they would migrate, but apparently if fish are available (and the water isn't completely frozen over), they'll hang around.

indianagardengirl - it's a lot of fun to build things with PVC. And easy.

Thanks, all. I have an aerator that I throw in for winter so that will keep some area open. But once the plants die, and unless it freezes solid, the buffet is open. I look at the top of Dave's contraption and the wheels are turning.