Cold Frame with TUFTEX Polycarbonate Panels

A cold frame is a protective covering and passive solar-energy collector for growing plants when cooler temperatures outdoors can adversely affect plants. A cold frame protects the plants from sudden temperature changes, chilling winds and frozen precipitation.

The basic structure of a cold frame is four walls and a lid. The lid is made with a clear material that allows sunlight in. The walls can be solid wood or a clear material to allow more sunlight into the cold frame. Portable cold frames are placed over plants either in an outdoor garden or pots; and therefore do not have a floor.

A modern evolution of the cold frame is the switch from an old window sash with glass panes for the lid to polycarbonate panels. Clear polycarbonate panels have the same light transmission properties as glass and are much lighter in weight. The use of Do-It-Yourself friendly polycarbonate panels also enables variety in the length and width of cold frames. The cold frame shown here was made with cedar—a naturally rot-resistant wood—and TUFTEX PolyCarb Clear panels.