Because the weather is getting a bit colder, and I still want to sprout some last seedlings. I decided that It would be a nice project to have my very own cold frame. Of course that with the limitations on space and resources of my little balcony garden, I can't have a proper cold frame, so mine would have to be a cheap and easy knock off version.
To build it I just decided to go with simple and cheap materials. I went to the 100yen shop (the equivalent of a dollar store in japan) and got a plastic fabric bag for clothes, also used a tray that I had bought before from the same place. One more thing, because the fabric bag still lets some air go trough I added an extra layer of plastic to avoid any heat to escape by convection.
The good thing about using the tray is that I can easily move the whole contraption inside in at night, if I want them to have an extra amount of heat.
I got some seeds ready in the colorful started pots from the strawberries, and now just let them be and wait.
It seems to be working well. The temperature inside has been one or two degrees higher than outside. Hopefully the seedlings will sprout soon and I will be able to have them ready before is to cold.
I decided to set three different kind of seedlings in it. Komatsuna and lettuce, to replace the ones I already finished on my big lettuce planter, and also chives because I think my garden was missing something from the onion family.
Hopefully it will work, I will keep posting to let you know how it goes.
To build it I just decided to go with simple and cheap materials. I went to the 100yen shop (the equivalent of a dollar store in japan) and got a plastic fabric bag for clothes, also used a tray that I had bought before from the same place. One more thing, because the fabric bag still lets some air go trough I added an extra layer of plastic to avoid any heat to escape by convection.
My new coldbag!
The good thing about using the tray is that I can easily move the whole contraption inside in at night, if I want them to have an extra amount of heat.
Getting ready to set some new seeds
I got some seeds ready in the colorful started pots from the strawberries, and now just let them be and wait.
All set up, tight and tidy
It seems to be working well. The temperature inside has been one or two degrees higher than outside. Hopefully the seedlings will sprout soon and I will be able to have them ready before is to cold.
I decided to set three different kind of seedlings in it. Komatsuna and lettuce, to replace the ones I already finished on my big lettuce planter, and also chives because I think my garden was missing something from the onion family.
They get a nice amount of sun, to make sure the temperature raises
Hopefully it will work, I will keep posting to let you know how it goes.
Hi Fer; Another idea for you: use the big (2-litre?) plastic bottles in which fizzy drinks like Coke are sold, as miniature cloches. Cut off the bottom to make a tall thin mini-greenhouse, suitable for protecting one plant...
ReplyDeleteIt is useful that you can bring your coldframe indoors if the temperatures should fall too far. The arrangement looks like it is working very well.
ReplyDeleteNice post and very interesting, with clear instructions. I never has experience gardening in coll season...what a pity ;-(
ReplyDeleteThe adventure is fun!
Good luck with your seedlings. Do keep us updated.
ReplyDeleteYou go thru' to a lot of trouble just to keep the plants warm...awww..so sweet! Hope all yr new seeds will germinate in yr hot bag!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I just hope they do germinate and grow well. I think today i saw some komatsuna already poking through.
ReplyDeleteMark, thanks for the tip, I will try using it too
And thanks for the new visits too, Is always nice to get to know more fellow gardenbloggers
Further to Mark's tip - we have 4 litre squared plastic bottles with a handle at the top that bottled water is sold in at the supermarket which would make larger 'cloches'. I did wonder how light got in to your 'cold frame' til I saw the photo of the other side.
ReplyDeleteHope everything grows well for you in your coldbag.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute little coldbag!
ReplyDeleteI love when people think up their own ad hoc solutions to suit their own needs and limitations! I must remember to use that attitude more often, and not just when it comes to gardening...
ReplyDeletethat´s great! Plants need it warm when they grow.
ReplyDeleteHow inventive you have been to see other possibilities for a fabric bag. Great idea! And it's even got a zipper!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder your plants look so happy. You pamper them. Good idea!
ReplyDeleteVery clever fer! I wish you success and do hope you'll let us know how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteVery clever and I had never heard of the term cold bag so I learned something new today. I will be curious to what your project develop. I may have to try something similar on my back porch.
ReplyDeleteHi Fer, this is so impressive. Show you don't need space to grow useful stuff, just ingenuity and a bit of committment. Good luck, let's keep in touch. cheers, catmint
ReplyDeletethey all look very warm and comfy...
ReplyDeleteVery creative idea! Hope to see the baby seedling soon!
ReplyDeleteHow very smart to use a plastic clothes bag!! Bravo!! I hope your efforts are rewarded with fabulous plants!!! :0)
ReplyDeleteVery fun idea:) Hope the seeds germinate for you soon.
ReplyDeleteI too, as Mark above suggested, use recycled plastic bottles as cloches. This way you can also see what is going on underneath. But, I hope your way will work too.
ReplyDeleteGood job! Really professional... :)
ReplyDeleteYour optimism is admirable! I really hope it will work - doesn't seem impossible! The balcony pictures showed how compact your garden really is - an how high up!
ReplyDeleteSee ya!
Stina
Very nice! I love your creativity, can't wait to see how your experiment does.
ReplyDeleteThanks! They already sprouted! I wanted to save the post about them sprouting for later, but also I don't want to be out of date.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I would like to try to use bottles, I think it would do great for harding them too, I just need to see how to set it up.
I've done this same exact thing using old bed comforter storage bags! It actually does work great. I've also used a clear plastic storage bin turned upside-down as a temporary cold frame/greenhouse.
ReplyDelete