So anyways the gist of this entry, assuming I can ever finish. My 3 year old helper was pointing out the many, many grammatical mistakes while sitting on my lap and asking if he can fix them while reaching for my key pad. Lol
Starting again on this post, it’s been nearly two years since It was started and I trust my grammar has improved slightly. It’s 4:30am and all of my would be helpers are sound asleep. I’m sure at least some of you can relate.
I not so recently replaced an old wood framed window in the boys room, one pane was cracked but the glass was still together and both frames are in decent condition. I have a ton of old used wood from a 10′ X 20′ foot shed that was taken down because it was in serious disrepair so I’ll be making at least several things with the wood I was able to save.
I’m sure most if not all reading this knows what a cold frame is and many would be far better versed than I to explain how to, or build one, this was my first. And to be honest, it still hasn’t gotten the serious upgrades but it will here before long.
My grandfather had one as I recall and he always had a huge garden’ took up the vast majority of their back yard. I wasn’t familiar with the terminology at the time but I do believe he had a victory garden or some variation of one, if your not familiar with what that is I urge you to research and learn about them.
I personally feel harder times are coming and those that can should grow as much of their own food as possible. If I’m wrong and you end up growing a lot of your own food the worst that will happen is you’ll have more nutritious food and save money plus have the health benefits of home grown food as well as have something to barter with in an SHTF event.
Below is a picture of my first crude cold frame. They are fairly simple in construction but handy to have if indoor space is limited for starting plants.
Also good for hardening plants off as well.
My first attempt was just a hole dug into the ground with a ledge to set an old window on. It actually works okay, however someone or some critter broke the glass. This season, I will dig it out bigger and deeper. The dirt will be used to make adobe bricks which will hold the glass up off of the ground so it will hopefully not get broken again. I will also be using a bigger window.
If you make a frame out of wood to hold your glass you could potentially move it around and start your plants in place and avoid transplant shock.
The link below is from Mother Earth and should work pretty well, I’ve found other plans and ideas there that are well thought out and work well. If your not well versed with hand tools or don’t have what the plans call for you probably have a friend or family member who is or does. Many things can be had for free if you look around.
Mother Earth is a good source for learning about things around the house and yard and I highly recommend it, if for no other reason than than to have something informative to read.
Seems most have tuned out reality and turned on to social media, my guess is because it’s easier than facing things they feel they have no control over. But it’s just a guess!
I’ve been spending less and less time on social media and more time working on my blog and my fledgling micro homestead. Blogging is my outlet and the extremely micro homestead is my anchor to reality.
I keep wanting more land but find my mastery over what I already have could be better. Always something that needs fixed, cleaned or hauled away or recycled. Anyways, that’s a story for another day.
May your ventures be met with success and your cold frame serve you well for years to come!
https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/diy-cold-frame-plans-ze0z11zkon/
Slocum's Creak 