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Merrill, Wisconsin

Does anyone have any pictures or easy ideas of easy to make cold frames for my pumpkins? I'm looking for the low maintenance, quick assembly route as I teach and coach baseball and am swamped M-F during the week, so I don't have a lot of time to get these ready when the time comes to use them. I read something about 5 gallon pails too, would that work in the mean time until they out grow the pail? Do you cut the bottom out of the pail I'm gathering and put plastic over the top? Would you use these until you need a 2-4' wide cold frame? Would appreciate any responses. Thanks.

5/10/2011 3:33:40 PM

Sourthern Utah

BP go to how to section on main page,, there a few cold frame designs on it .. upper left hand section,, ,, curt

5/10/2011 4:24:35 PM

Dillsburg, PA

For easy I just screw 2 pallets together and wrap in 6 mil plastic. On a 70 degree sunny day inside will heat up to high 80s. Works to get me started until it gets too hot.

5/10/2011 5:26:22 PM

milford, CT,

These work great and are cheap to build...

http://www.mainepumpkins.com/hoophouse.html

5/10/2011 8:32:30 PM

Merrill, Wisconsin

thanks! much appreciated.

5/10/2011 8:51:21 PM

anytown U.S,A,

Here are some that you can buy already built. never tried them so can not recommend.
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/home-garden/greenhouses/perfect-for-starting-your-seedlings-early/p-1339368.htm

5/10/2011 10:39:41 PM

Corbin, KY

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=130119

These work pretty good, easy to make

5/10/2011 10:57:37 PM

Colorado

The desighn on the maine site is a good one.Use plastic sheeting thats too long on the sides(2ft) so you can shovel dirt on apron for extra wind support. Also you can duct tape a piece of pvc on the ridge to the three hoops for extra support.Home depot sells great clamps for holding the plastic on.I make mine 5 by 6 so I use 12 ft side pieces.When the plant gets growing out of the structure I leave the pvc skeleton all season/remove the sheeting

5/12/2011 12:59:10 PM

Fort Collins Colorado

you can make a good cold frame with rebar hammered into the ground and pvc pipe arched. google rebar pvc greenhouse and you will find lots of plans. they are good for no snow areas, snow will crush this style greenhouse.

2/22/2012 1:20:36 AM