Does it work?
Jean Vernon puts cold frames to the test
AT this time of year, garden centres tempt us with pots of healthy seedlings and bedding plants. But unless you buy hardy plants or you have somewhere frost-free to grow them, it's pointless to buy until the danger of frost has passed. Also, if you've already started raising your own plants, then you might need extra space into which to move the seedings until you can plant them outside.
You need a cold frame, that intermediate area between the cosy, frost-free environment of the greenhouse and the exposure of the garden. Don't be fooled, however, as a heavy frost can still wreak havoc within the frame, so you need to take precautions. Armed with a good cold frame, a roll of garden fleece and even a tiny heater your bedding plants can be as plump and juicy as any sold by the professionals.
A cold frame employed carefully can be used all year round. Avoid fragile horticultural glass and opt for toughened glass, or alternatives such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, Perspex or acrylic - these will be safer for children, pets and gardeners.
There's plenty of choice and much depends on your budget and the space available. Consider the wide range of frames from Access, the quality range from C H Whitehouse or, for a unique experience, invest in a pyramid growing system from Backwoodsman (01631 720539).
Its GrowMate uses the natural movement of air, drawing it in at the base and expelling it from a vent at the top. The pyramid shape incorporates revolving growing shelves that make the best use of available space. It's good quality and comes in three sizes and with optional toughened glass, starting from £199.
We looked at five cold frames and all were put together from a flat pack. Each one was assessed for its ease of assembly, convenience in use, and value for money. All measurements are approximate.
1. Two Wests & Elliott timber cold frame
Price £69.95 (Mail order from Two Wests & Elliott 01246 451077)
What you get Comes in bolt-together, timber-framed sections and the instructions are quite clear. The lid is in two sections hinged at the back and there are two stays for ventilation that can be locked. The timber is a high-grade Scandinavian redwood and needs to be painted or treated. The frame is lighweight but sturdy and is glazed with twin-walled polycarbonate. It is 12in tall at the front, 15in at the back (30cm and 38cm); the floor area is 24in x 40in (60cm x 100cm). Made in Britain.
Convenience Good
Value for money ***
2. Parascene aluminium garden frame, model 830
Price £49.99 (M H Berlyn, 01384 896666; www.parasene.com)
What you get An aluminium frame glazed with twin-wall polypropylene, which is safer than glass and provides better insulation. Lightweight, verging on flimsy. The instructions are good, but assembly is fiddly: it took 1.5 hours. The lid is in two sections which can be opened separately. For additional ventilation you can also slide the lid along. The frame stands 14in high at the front, 18in at the back (35cm and 45cm); the top is 24in by 40in (60cm by 100cm).
Made in Britain.
Convenience Good
Value for money ***
3. Access FW2-1 Frame
Price £224 (Mail order from Access Garden Products 0800 298 6284)
What you get Tricky to assemble, but made from high-quality materials - toughened glass on an aluminium frame - and comes with a water misting system. Sliding doors allow all-round access and ventilation is excellent (an additional louvre vent is £85 more). Roomy, with space for tall plants, it is almost a mini greenhouse, but the glass means insulation may be needed. It is 4ft (120cm) wide, 25in (63cm) tall at the front and 29in (73cm) deep at the base. Growing guide included. Made in Britain.
Convenience Very good
Value for money ***
4. New wood mini cold frame
Price £96 plus carriage (Mail order from C H Whitehouse 01892 750247)
What you get Easy-to-assemble frame made from a recycled polymer that looks like hardwood but doesn't need treating. It is 13in tall at the front, 15in at the back (33cm and 38cm) and ideal for growing seeds or cuttings without them getting too leggy. Twin-walled polycarbonate glazing filters the light and provides extra insulation. Floor area is 29in x 42in (73cm x 105cm). The lid slides on runners; extra ventilation is supplied by a vent at the front of the frame below the sliding panel. Made in Britain.
Convenience Good
Value for money ***
5. Parasene budget small timber cold frame, model 613
Price £29.99 (M H Berlyn, as before)
What you get This was a fiddle to assemble, taking about an hour. The instructions are fair, but the diagrams are confusing. The frame is Scandinavian redwood, which must be treated or painted, and the lid is plastic-glazed acrylic. Wooden sides improve insulation. About 10in high at the front, 13in at the back (25cm and 32cm); the top is 32in x 18in (80cm x 45cm). Ideal as a starter frame for small gardens or for a child, and will fit on a greenhouse bench. Basic ventilation; does not lock into place for windy conditions. Made in Britain.
Convenience Fair/good
Value for money ****
Picture: Christopher Jones
-- Anonymous, April 28, 2001