205 x 103 cm Cold frame
DORIS
- Sturdy aluminium frame
- Approx. 16 mm thick twin-wall sheets
- Durable & weatherproof
- No base
available immediately
free Delivery€389.00
Cold frames
197 x 103 cm Cold frame
DORIS
- Sturdy aluminium frame
- Approx. 16 mm thick twin-wall sheets
- Durable & weatherproof
- No base
available immediately
free Delivery€409.00
205 x 132 cm Cold frame
CARO
- Sturdy aluminium frame
- Approx. 16 mm thick twin-wall sheets
- Durable & weatherproof
- No base
available immediately
free Delivery€519.00
103 x 103 cm Cold frame
DORIS
- Sturdy aluminium frame
- Approx. 16 mm thick twin-wall sheets
- Durable & weatherproof
- No base
Delivery date by request
free Delivery€279.00
103 x 132 cm Cold frame
CARO
- Sturdy aluminium frame
- Approx. 16 mm thick twin-wall sheets
- Durable & weatherproof
- No base
Delivery date by request
free Delivery€329.00
A cold frame built to last
Our cold frames are designed for long-term use, offering a durable and cost-effective solution for gardeners who want reliable plant protection year after year. Robust aluminium frames combined with insulating polycarbonate panels ensure stability, weather resistance, and consistent performance across the seasons. Suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners, cold frames provide dependable growing conditions without the complexity of a greenhouse.
What is a cold frame?
A cold frame is a transparent, ground-level enclosure that uses sunlight to create a warmer, more sheltered environment for plants. Larger than a cloche but smaller than a greenhouse, cold frames help regulate temperature and humidity while protecting plants from wind, frost, and heavy rain. They are commonly used for seed germination, hardening off seedlings, overwintering hardy crops, and extending the growing season in spring and autumn.
Gardening with a cold frame
Cold frame gardening can help you increase your yields and explore more plant varieties, including tender plants like eggplants and chilies. Our standalone cold frames offer ample space and protection for young crops to grow, providing 33 cm of clearance at the front and 44 cm at the rear. This makes them perfect for nurturing young plants and overwintering hardy vegetables, ensuring they thrive in various weather conditions.
What to grow in a cold frame
Cold frames are highly versatile and support a wide range of plants throughout the year. They are ideal for overwintering young annuals, protecting alpines from excessive winter rain, and giving early crops such as spinach, radishes, lettuce or peas a head start. In spring, cold frames are commonly used to harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Heat-loving plants such as tomatoes, aubergines, and chillies can also benefit from early growth in a cold frame during cooler months or transitional seasons.
Hardening off seedlings in a cold frame
The most important aspect of hardening off seedlings in a cold frame is ensuring the plants can gradually acclimate to colder conditions. This typically takes 2-3 weeks, allowing the plants to adjust to temperature variations, increased sunlight, and potential wind exposure. If particularly cold temperatures are expected overnight, throw old blankets over the growhouse.
Four helpful tips for using a cold frame
Temperature Monitoring
Check the internal temperature regularly using a thermometer. This helps ensure conditions remain suitable for the plants you are growing and prevents heat stress on sunny days.
Ventilation
Ventilation is essential to avoid overheating. Open the lid partially on warm days and close it again in the evening to retain warmth. Adjustable lid openings allow for controlled airflow.
Watering Strategy
Cold frames reduce exposure to natural rainfall, so plants may require more consistent watering. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging and root problems.
Seasonal Adaptation
Cold frames can be used year-round when adapted to seasonal needs. Start seeds early in spring, protect plants from excess heat in summer, extend harvests in autumn, and shelter frost-tolerant crops in winter.
The best materials for a cold frame
Our cold frame covers are crafted from high-grade aluminium and twin-wall polycarbonate sheets, which ensure long-life protection and insulation for your plants.
Twin-wall polycarbonate cold frames
Our professional garden greenhouse cold frame has a polycarbonate cover and walls. This lightweight, hard-wearing material has excellent properties that meet the requirements of growing both tender and half-hardy plants:
Thermal Insulation
The polycarbonate panels provide thermal insulation, maintaining a stable and warm environment for plants during colder months, ensuring their growth and survival.
UV Protection
The polycarbonate material effectively filters harmful UV rays, protecting the plants from potential sun damage while still allowing them to thrive under natural light.
Light Transmission
The 16-mm-thick twin-walled polycarbonate panels allow optimal light transmission. This ensures that plants receive adequate sunlight for photosynthesis, promoting healthy growth.
Strong and lightweight aluminium frames
The aluminium used in our cold frames boasts exceptional durability, providing a sturdy foundation for long-lasting structures. Its corrosion-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for metal cold frames, ensuring longevity in various weather conditions. Crafted with precision, our aluminium cold frames offer robust support while maintaining a sleek and lightweight design for ease of use.
Comparison of various cold frame materials
| Woodern cold frame with glass cover | Aluminium cold frame with polycarbonate panels |
|---|---|
| Natural material | Durable and weather-resistant |
| Rustic look | Clean modern appearance |
| Not weather-resistant | Lightweight and easy to handle |
| Bulky timber frame | Easy access with hinged lids |
| Needs care & maintenance | 10 year guarantee on the polycarbonate sheets |
How to build a cold frame
Homemade cold frames are a big hit with amateur gardeners. Making your own garden frame is the ideal way to start gardening under cover, and has its advantages. On the other hand, DIY cold frames are often made of wood or glass, materials that don't offer the best properties for practical long-term use.
As well as being easy to assemble, our polycarbonate mini greenhouse will ensure that your vegetable garden grows and is protected for years to come. Our models are delivered in kit form with all the components you need for self assembly, so you're guaranteed to save time!
Our cold frame sizes
Our standalone cold frames are available in various widths to suit different needs. Our smallest cold frame, the DORIS 1010, starts at approximately 103 x 103 cm and features 2 openable lids with handy stands, enabling you to control the temperature on warm days. For wider options, we offer the DORIS 1910 with a width of approximately 197 x 132 cm, and the DORIS 2010 with a width of approximately 205 x 103 cm. These larger models feature lids on either side, allowing you free access to tend to your plants. The CARO 1013, measuring approximately 103 x 132 cm, and the CARO 2013, measuring approximately 205 x 132 cm, extend to a depth of approximately 132 cm, providing ample space for your gardening needs. With such a big range of products, you're guaranteed to find a size that suits your garden.
Raised bed covers
Exlpore our assortiment of cold frame attachments for raised beds! We offer cold frame attachments that are measured to fit perfectly on top of our raised garden beds. If you already own one of our raised beds, you can easily extend the growing season by adding a matching cold frame attachment.
Frequently asked questions about cold frames
Our expert service
Our team of garden experts are happy to be contacted. You can pose them any questions you might have about the relative advantages of aluminium cold frames over wooden ones. Or simply ask about differences in the costs and benefits of coldframes in relation to greenhouses. You can contact us either by phone or email.
