Plants are sprouting, tree leaves are opening and it has been warm enough at night to set out some plants. We have not passed our last frost date as of yet, but I am assuming that if we do happen to get one, it will not harm the plants too much. Everything is coming up fine, maybe a bit slow since we haven't had too many 70+ degree days, but they are getting noticeably bigger every day. The plants in the house that I started in flats are anxious to let their roots roam free in the warm garden soil. They will have to wait a short while longer but, soon baby plants, soon...
Earlier in the year, to get a jump start on Spring, I had constructed some cold frames to help warm up the soil and protect the seedlings from frosts. Constructed from 1/2 inch PVC piping and 4 mil plastic sheeting (painters drop cloth), I easily and quickly made a very durable cold frame.
What you need to build your own cold frame measuring approximately 2'x8' is:
- 1/2" PVC piping
- 1/2" PVC elbows (8)
- 1/2" PVC T connectors (10)
- Tools
- Cut (8) 24" sections of pipe and (4) 20" sections
- Using elbow connector, attach (2) 24" sections. Repeat 3 more times.
At opposite ends of elbow attach T connector, and span 20" section between. Repeat 3 times. - Cut (8) 6" sections and attach to open end of T connector.
For the spanning brace, cut (2) 20" sections of piping and (3) 32" sections. Using the T connectors, attach the (3) 32" sections in a straight line. At the ends, add on Elbow connector and from that attach (2) 20" sections. - In the garden "plant" PVC arches in a straight line, 24" apart. Place in the spanning brace along-side the arches, pushing down into the soil. Where arches meet brace, tie together.
Unfold plastic sheeting, and with help, position over arches. Weigh down edges of plastic however best works for you. The plastic sandwiched between two pieces of board screwed together works nicely. Remember to keep an end accessible for watering.
At opposite ends of elbow attach T connector, and span 20" section between. Repeat 3 times. 
For the spanning brace, cut (2) 20" sections of piping and (3) 32" sections. Using the T connectors, attach the (3) 32" sections in a straight line. At the ends, add on Elbow connector and from that attach (2) 20" sections. 
Unfold plastic sheeting, and with help, position over arches. Weigh down edges of plastic however best works for you. The plastic sandwiched between two pieces of board screwed together works nicely. Remember to keep an end accessible for watering. Hopefully, those somewhat brief instructions are helpful. It can be adjusted to any size to fit your needs. Any questions, let me know.
As of now we have the following plants sprouted and either living in the gardens or awaiting transplanting:
-Arugula
-Bean, Dragon Tongue
-Beets
- Chiogga
- Golden
-Broccoli
-Chard, Neon Lights
-Eggplant
-Lettuces
- Bibb
- Mesclun Mix
- Romaine
-Mustard Greens
-Okra
-Onions
- Red
- Shallots
- Green Bunching
-Peas
- Early
- Snow
- Snap
-Peppers
- Carnival Mix (sweet bell)
- Guajillo
- Hungarian Wax
- French Breakfast
- Red Globe
- Watermelon
-Spinach
-Tomatoes
- Red Siberian
- Yellow Pear
- Chocolate Drop
- Brandywine
- Speckled Roma
I'll try to post sooner, so to avoid such long ramblings.
Happy Gardening!
