Comparing the pros and cons of: cold-frames; low and high polytunnels; greenhouses and mesh tunnels

[@SteveRichards]

Be sure to check out my free newsletter here: steverichards.substack.com it's the best place to find out what to do each week, see what I've been up to and share in the ups and downs of the good life!

[@asankey6657]

This is just the kind of video i was hoping existed! Thank you, im seriously debating what to set up next, and you showing your different set ups helped. More than anything i love that you explain the whys and all the benefits! Cheers

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks, so much more in this chapter of my ebook steverichards.notion.site/Cold-frame-and-Low-Tunnel-Growing-Guide-5ed24359f3af42d4a98ecdec7112698f?pvs=4 : All the best - Steve

[@alcogito8287]

I just found this video today and subscribed. Great ideas and helped to refine a few of my own ideas. I have been gardening all my adult life (am 86 now) but since I moved to a retirement community and don't have my handy husband around anymore to do construction projects I have been doing without carpentry (or I would follow your example). But I make hoop tunnels in raised beds using water pipe slipped over rebar, covered with row covers or 4 mil plastic and pinned down with ground staples I cut from the corners of wire clothes hangers. Simple but it works. (I only have 108 sq feet of space (three 3x12 foot patches) but it has been providing almost all of my vegetables since spring, and this year I am going to try to extend it through the winter. Wish me luck. I'm in zone 8b Pacific Northwest near Seattle, so Kale and chard survive here all winter in spite of frost, but I want more! Thanks for your inspiration..

[@SteveRichards]

I have low tunnels too, without frames, but I like an easy life and all that bending down to pull out staples and replace them every time I want to water, weed, harvest or vent is too much for me at my scale! It obviously works for you though, your knees must be better than mine!! : All the best - Steve

[@cqammaz53]

Your garden looks like paradise. I love how organize it is and using the space under your seeding tables to plant green fantastic

[@SteveRichards]

It's a lovely place to spend a couple of hours : All the best - Steve

[@denpictor8992]

Thanks, Steve just really started with growing veg and this year moved up to allotment so I have found your pieces about cold frames and minny polytunnels very interesting and inspiring.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Den, that's lovey feedback, they really do make a huge difference : All the best - Steve

[@Jenny-xk6ir]

I have a vegtrug (6 foot long deck planter raised about 32" high) as a starter planter, and from watching this very helpful video, I decided to make a hoop cover from mesh, with an over cover of plastic for the cold-frame idea. I also decided to wrap plastic around the legs to keep wind from chilling the soil, so thanks for mentioning the effect of wind too. I am considering a way to insulate the bottom of the planter as well. Thanks for a great video!

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback Jenny : All the best - Steve

[@ButterFlyWeed-w4s]

Thank you for this comparison video... My greenhouse just flu away during the last storm so I am looking at making cold frames and hoops.. So I appreciate this instructive video

[@SteveRichards]

Lots of additional videos as well as detailed instructions on making coldframes and low tunnels in this section of my ebook, you can read for free here: steverichards.notion.site/The-basic-growing-skills-and-techniques-fabeb9d9ba5d4227a63226824a29ac82?pvs=4

[@ButterFlyWeed-w4s]

Thank you so much for the link. This has valuable information. Thank you so mcuh@@SteveRichards

[@cindyleenoble7875]

I’m a beginner and this was very helpful. Thank you.

[@earlshine453]

Hi Steve, good info, thanks. I'm trying to get a passive solar greenhouse operational for season extension, still a lot to improve and test. Some ideas I'm incorporating are: automatic venting windows (wax based cylinders), inside non-window all painted white for maximum light reflection, soil level knee high so cold air goes to floor, isolated northern wall and roofing and inside water storage to dampen temperature fluctuations. Unfortunately I will have to drain my outside rainwater harvesting system (no seaside protection from frost). Best wishes, greetings from Holland.

[@SteveRichards]

There are some wonderful designs out there, sounds like a great project!! : All the best - Steve

[@delightfullight]

Thank you so very much for all the wonderful ideas and personal experience that you have shared. It was very helpful. Our city won't let us build high tunnels in our yard but you have helped my compile a few ideas to get around the ordinances. Also, I've been waffling on which to use, cold frames v. low tunnels. Your ideas have helped me make up my mind. Thank you. Thank you also for using very respectful language in your communications. It makes it a lot easier to listen to. I do have a few questions though. 1) What is that dark gray striped layer on the ground in your poly tunnel at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="927">15:27</a> in your video? 2) Is that pressure treated wood for you bed at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="942">15:42</a> in your video? 3) What are those metal supports that hold up your seed starting table at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1046">17:26</a> in your video?

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the great feedback! The ground cover in the polytunnel is landscape fabric, stops the weeds, but lets water through and keeps my trousers clean when I kneel down! The beds are pressure treated wood. The supports for the bench are supplied by the company I bought by tunnel from, they work really well www.firsttunnels.co.uk/spare-accessoriesDetail/staging-supports-for-polytunnels. What did you decide on?

[@slrw82]

Thank you very much, Steve - I really appreciate the clear explanations and video.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Sam : All the best - Steve

[@derekprice7747]

Thank you so much Steve. What a fantastic and well explained video. My set up is a lot smaller than yours but you have given me confidence to change and add on various items; the hinged raised bed covers is an essential for me and also the small coldframes are going to be another idea I'm implimenting.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Derek, thanks for taking the time to provide such lovely feedback : all the best - Steve

[@leahclaire5470]

Thanks Steve, this is brilliant. I've never used any of these, and have lately been getting curious about them. I'd like to add something to my gardening this year, but did not know the pros and cons of each, and I hadn't gotten around to doing any research. I also appreciate the little construction and management details that are proven by use. I'm very glad I bumped into your video this evening. Cheers from British Columbia!

[@SteveRichards]

lots more on the channel Leah, maybe you should subscribe! : All the best - Steve

[@debbiemarler8722]

Very good, I am just starting. I have indoor grow room and greenhouse almost finished. Will be trying hoops soon

[@SteveRichards]

Great stuff Debbie it will make such a difference! : All the best - Steve

[@Alfamoto8]

Very informative! Thanks...! This winter was a mess for me and I am planning to put some protection to my beds for next winter. Your video is spot on. I have a good spot for a greenhouse and for the rest of the garden I will go with hoop tunnels.

[@SteveRichards]

Excellent it will make a huge difference, provided you have enough water and time to enjoy it! : All the best - Steve

[@aletamekvold8005]

Very helpful!! I just got a cold frame and am very excited to use it. Good to know about leaving it slightly vented. Although in the dead of winter in South Central Idaho USA it can stay below freezing for a bit so will have to play with it a bit to see what works the best.

[@SteveRichards]

Yes, if it's frozen inside I don't think you get any benefit from venting it, but if the sun comes out, then that's a different matter : All the best - Steve

[@johnoneill6000]

Hi, I too love cold frames. Couple of differences I've made are that I used "lift-off barn door hinges" so that there's no unscrewing needed. I also used greenhouse automatic window openers because I'm not always around to manually vent.

[@SteveRichards]

oh the lift off hinges are a great idea John, do you have any concerns that the lids will 'lift off' in the wind?. The automatic opener's don't work for me because of the wind : All the best - Steve

[@gardenfunwithjane4897]

Thank you for a great video. I love your examples of protecting from winter and frosts.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Jane, strangely enough over the years I've come to realise that the benefits in spring are even greater than over winter : All the best - Steve

[@sunriseseven4366]

What a well explained video, thanks. Some well thought out ideas there put into practice. Thanks.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks, it's always great to get feedback : All the best - Steve

[@DocScience2]

= @@SteveRichards = I loved the video. . .Great ideas... I believe you are further north (google says 500miles/800kms), less sun then me in Nova Scotia Canada, but gives me a good ideas of what can be grown, further north. Climate wise, we had about 3-4 feet of snow this last winter, and now April 13, we still have too much snow on the ground to do anything... Almost everything in lockdown. I will have to have certain modification to suit my climate.. - - One recommendation that I never see people doing, for those who need insect protections. I recommend to staple bare wires about 1/4 inch apart, around the outside of the top board of the raised bed, and attach to a battery or step down transformer from ac voltage. This will keep slugs and other night crawlers out of any raised beds.. Because the wires do not touch, they will not use any electricity.. Put in a fuse in case the wires are ever crossed for any reason, like carrying a board and the board rubs against a wire, shorting it.

[@ensign4Him]

So glad this popped onto my YT. Exactly what I've been wanting to know! Lovely set-up you have there Steve. Just subscribed with hopes of learning lots more Thank You!

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks, I like things low maintenance! You might also like this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmnTn4R5q6qpeas

[@Shambala_G]

Great relaxed narrative and tons of information. You have provided a real education for your family too. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback! : All the best - Steve

[@outsideaglass]

I'm building a mini greenhouse and am considering a follow up project of a cold frame or a mesh tunnel. Thanks a lot for your video, it really helped clear some things up for me from reading about things to how it can actually be done!

[@SteveRichards]

Good luck with the projects Stevie, they will make a big difference if you want to extend the season : All the best - Steve

[@angelalangridge346]

Thanks Steve Not so far from you but a bit further North and 230m above sea level! Lots of really good ideas for me to follow up on, as we have a polytunnel to work inside, and a lot of youtube material to extract ideas from. All the best my friend

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback Angela, sounds like a polytunnel is a big help at 230m! : All the best - Steve

[@ronboehler2099]

Hi Steve thanks for the info. Very well thought out and explained. I have used cold frames and hoop tunnels for years but never with the variations and venting technique that you use. Great ideas thanks for sharing.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback Ron, did you pickup any tips you could pass on in all those years? : All the best - Steve

[@johnbaxter189]

People's still talking up a food crisis High inflation and alsorts. Hey if there's gonna be a food crisis u wudnt want anyone else by Ur side but Steve. I can't believe wat a fantastic job he does. Top knowledge in every show. Loves Steve

[@SteveRichards]

It’s a nice feeling John, knowing we have all that food stocked up. Especially in autumn when the store is full and every bit of ground planted : all the best - Steve

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

Excellent information. As new gardeners things can be a little overwhelming to say the least. I'll look a doing a cold frame as they seem the cheapest and easiest to build. My wife is very interested in square foot and successional planting so this is very helpful Cheers from Victoria Canada

[@SteveRichards]

You might benefit from my ebook, it's full of extra videos and loads of information on extending the season, successional sowing, interplanting, relay planting etc steverichards.notion.site/Gardening-eBook-info-6f57489ae10a4721b48b421826203814. I don't do square foot gardening myself, because I find it all gets too messy, but for small spaces it's great. I have instructions for making all of the frames and tunnels in the basics section of the book steverichards.notion.site/The-basics-fabeb9d9ba5d4227a63226824a29ac82 all free to read : All the best - Steve

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@@SteveRichards thank you !! We'll check it out. Love the way your garden is laid out and looks!! This will be our second real season of gardening so you and others are inspiring!! Cheers

[@BenniLkitchengarden]

Thanks for showing 👍. I also want to grow veg in winter, but here in Norway we have a mutch colder climate than in UK. I have 8 coldframes similar to yours and a greenhouse with polycarbonate. I don’t have heat or extra light in my greenhouse. I try to find hardy plants and I cover with fleez during winter. One thing is frost, but the lack of light is also an issue when wintergrowing. I do wintersowing in january in the greenhous and get hardy plants early in the season. (sorry for my bad english).

[@SteveRichards]

I only wish my Norwegian was a tenth as good! Yes light is a huge issue, that's why I love the fact that I can vent my polytunnels, giving the plants full light but still plenty of shelter from the north wind. I've never come across anyone with as many cold frames as me, well done!! : All the best - Steve

[@scottmellor4514]

Lack of light is a problem December, January, and February. Your English is never a problem.

[@leighnicholson9263]

Thank you Steve, I live by the NE coast and I have gotten an allotment, i ’m a new grower so all your advice is relevant to me. Great work you are doing and I appreciate you spreading the good growing news and allotting your experiences to it. Excuse the pun lol

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Leigh, have you found my free ebook yet?

[@jessicabender1301]

Such a wonderful and informative comparison. Love your building inputs.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the lovely feedback Jessica, if you want more take a look at the Basics section of my ebook, there's chapters on growing under cover and build instructions for everything steverichards.notion.site/The-basics-fabeb9d9ba5d4227a63226824a29ac82 : All the best - Steve

[@kettleisalwayson]

Just found your channel and have subscribed. From Preston and have just started container gardening as no land. Waiting for my first allotment but Preston doesn't have a lot free at moment.

[@SteveRichards]

Allotments every where are in short supply Angela, I know a few people with plots in Preston. Welcome to the channel : All the best - Steve

[@GardeningWithJohn]

Very interesting video Steve, I have a Polytunnel, plastic greenhouse and a Glass Greenhouse, but I have recently got hold of some free 6ft by 2ft timber and old decking. I was thinking of making a coldframe and or a hoop tunnel. I like the idea of the coldframe and then taking the top off and basically ending up with a raised bed. You have some great ideas Steve and I'm taking some of it in for sure. I have a set up a bit like yours. P.S. one thing I love about a Glass Greenhouse though, is that you can see cleary outside when its cold and wet and your inside it warm and dry.

[@SteveRichards]

I resisted a polytunnel because I didn't like the idea of not being able to see outside. Now I have one I absolutely love not being able to see outside, it's like a little oasis from the world and the diffusion of the light is something special too. Thanks for the feedsback, I love the coldframes! no hardening off of early season veg, super early veg in spring etc : All the best - Steve

[@rodhalliwelloutabout.4161]

Hi Steve, Thank's for a great update & loads of info to think over. Your plot is always tidy & organised. Well done to you. Thanks for sharing.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Rod, I find keeping things tidy and organised cuts down my workload no end, leaving just the fun stuff : All the best - Steve

[@traceyclark178]

Hi Steve love your coldframe accessories they are just what i need . your allotment is well organized great video .

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Tracey : All the best - Steve

[@katec9893]

This is so helpful, I'm going to try out these three covering types on my new plot, starting with the mesh tunnel. Do you have a video on how to make them? I checked the notes but can't see a link. I'll do a search too and see what comes up. Due to my plot shape it's tricky for me to make all the beds the same size but I'm going to try. How big is your plot? Mine is 340m2 which is big but it has a big ditch and tonnes of rubbish at the bottom that will take me a few months to clear. I've already spent 6 months with my mum clearing the rubbish off half the plot, sorting out the shed and water butts and digging over the first patch to grow. It was covered in rubbish, weeds and 7ft high brambles when I got it last June.

[@SteveRichards]

Here's a link to the construction details Kate, steverichards.notion.site/Making-raised-beds-coldframes-and-tunnels-aa81d71a481e424b81293309723e3c0b which I've added to the video description now, rather than just a link to the relevant chapter : All the best - Steve

[@katec9893]

@@SteveRichards Thanks Steve, for some reason that link isn't working, it just has a loading circle. I'll see what I can find in a search. What size are your raised beds? I found one of your construction videos but was confused by the measurements maybe because I'm using centimetres.

[@SteveRichards]

I've tested the link and it works now, maybe you were on a slow connection, it's a long page with loads of diagrams etc. Unfortunately my dimensions are in imperial, but it's very easy to convert. My plot is 250m2. All of the dimensions of the beds etc are in the linked chapter : All the best - Steve

[@SteveRichards]

This might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ3GfXd-ltqNjJo

[@katec9893]

@@SteveRichards I've realised that the link works on my computer but not on my mobile. I've had a read through and there is so much detailed information, I feel like I will have a degree in allotment studies with a minor in engineering after this! If you had a physical book for sale I'd definitely buy it. Thanks for sharing all this info it's a great help.

[@christines5430]

Thank you for this video. It is really helpful! I love your polytunnel setup.

[@ianwynne5483]

You could have 2" by 2" piece of timber well supported by angle steel to divide your cold frame and lean on without blocking the light.

[@SteveRichards]

good idea Ian, I did it this way because I had 2*6" planks mid way along my raised beds to stand on and stop them splaying outwards and since my cold frames are just raised beds stacked on top of each other it made sense at the time. In terms of the shading it only causes a little shade from 3pm - 4pm in winter, the rest of the time they get good light levels. : All the best - Steve

[@sharonpreston2826]

You have a great setup. I haven't used cold frames in years, I will set some up now. I live in south Alaska where it rains 15 FEET a year. In zone 7b. So I can use some of your ideas. Where are you qnd what growing zone?

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Sharon, see the intro to my ebook for details of location, zone etc steverichards.notion.site/Introduction-3c5dd567dc0a4bd29a70bcf58230c361?pvs=4

[@annebeck2208]

So helpful, I'll have to watch it several times to absorb it all. Thanks!

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Anne, you might find the basics section of my book a good place to start, particularly the chapter on 'growing under cover', it's free to read here steverichards.notion.site/The-basics-fabeb9d9ba5d4227a63226824a29ac82 : All the best - Steve

[@jhnnyg1]

you can try putting polycarbonate from the ground up on the sides and front for more light vents are also a good idea depending where you live ..great video Steve

[@SteveRichards]

I've considered that, but I have no issues with light levels, everything grows on really well. I'm a big believer in Pareto principle, 20% of the effort delivers 80% of the results. So my cold-frames are 20% solutions, as quick and simple as I could figure out, and deliver me 80% of the light, which is good enough. : All the best - Steve

[@lyrooo326]

Amazing video. I'm planning to do some cold frames from CPVC Pipe some screws and stiched green house plastic with some mesh for ventilation, because winter is not really cold but it is really dry and shaded. I'm in the plant hardiness zone 10.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks, so pleased you enjoyed it, it's interesting how many different growing conditions there are! In my case the cold-frame is mostly about protecting from wind and rain, they don't do much to protect from the cold, although they do turn winter into spring during the day : All the best - Steve

[@stressrelief100]

What is the fleece that you are talking about . Trying to figure out what it might be sold as in my area . Thanks for the great information you shared with us ..

[@SteveRichards]

Often also called row cover, here's a link www.amazon.com/Agribon-AG-19-Floating-Blanket-Garden/dp/B00LB3SBZG/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=row+cover+fleece&qid=1589549632&sr=8-2

[@robertsanford1399]

So you don't have to take them apart to store them is a small space; you can just stack them. Enjoy your videos and wish you continued success.

[@SteveRichards]

Ah, I see, I don’t store them, they are permanent structures, just as useful in summer as winter : all the best - Steve

[@johnbaxter189]

Love to know wat star sign u are Steve cuz Ur a very efficient person. Ur mastering the gardening game.

[@SteveRichards]

Capricorn John

[@Analyse_US]

Excellent overview. Thanks!

[@johnbaxter189]

Uve defo gotta be in the top ten of best British gardeners

[@toddwilkinson7889]

Steve, Awesome video, very informative in the way you compared different growing structures. Thanks!

[@SteveRichards]

Glad it was helpful Todd : All the best - Steve

[@donnastormer9652]

I’m in NW Florida and want to use a traditional cold frame but can’t due to fire ants moving in right away and continuously taking over the bed so I’ve made one on a table top to start my seeds in and it’s working well.

[@SteveRichards]

No fire ants here fortunately Donna, seems like you have a workaround though : all the best - Steve

[@robertsanford1399]

Steve: Greetings from Woodland, WA As good as when I watched it the last time. How do you fasten the blue ribs to the wooden firming strip? Have you decided in the meantime to put large rocks or bricks or black-painted water bottles in the cold frames or mini-hoop houses to absorb heat during daylight hours? I"m working on those options new.

[@SteveRichards]

Since the last time you watched it I now have full instructions on how to make them :-) steverichards.notion.site/Making-raised-beds-coldframes-and-tunnels-aa81d71a481e424b81293309723e3c0b : All the best - Steve

[@SteveRichards]

I did consider using heat sinks, but I decided that they took up space where I could be growing and when I worked out how much heat the dark moist soil was trapping I realised that was my best heat sink : All the best - Steve

[@robertsanford1399]

@@SteveRichards Steve: Thanks for your \wisdon and taking the time to share what you have learned and thought about.

[@DocScience2]

= I loved the video. . .Great ideas... I believe you are further north (google says 500miles/800kms), less sun then me in Nova Scotia Canada, but gives me a good ideas of what can be grown, further north. Climate wise, we had about 3-4 feet of snow this last winter, and now April 13, we still have too much snow on the ground to do anything... Almost everything in lockdown. I will have to have certain modification to suit my climate.. - - One recommendation that I never see people doing, for those who need insect protections. I recommend to staple bare wires about 1/4 inch apart, around the outside of the top board of the raised bed, and attach to a battery or step down transformer from ac voltage. This will keep slugs and other night crawlers out of any raised beds.. Because the wires do not touch, they will not use any electricity.. Put in a fuse in case the wires are ever crossed for any reason, like carrying a board and the board rubs against a wire, shorting it. If you think you may have people crawlers attacking the beds, maybe step up the voltage to 10,000 volts should be good deterrent, except when you forget to turn it off to harvest something.

[@SteveRichards]

Yes, I'm sure you will have to make a few changes! The barbed wire idea is interesting, no power on the allotments unfortunately : All the best - Steve

[@DocScience2]

= @@SteveRichards = Not barbed wire... BARE wire, with no insulation on it, as in cheap galvanized wire . . put a couple small 9-volt batteries on that , as they do not draw current as long as the wires do not get crosses... keeps slugs or anything else from climbing into the beds.... I am in Canada and do not know that you mean by "Allotments"...

[@SteveRichards]

@@DocScience2 allotments are just a patch of ground (250m2) that we can rent for a pittance from the local council : All the best - Steve

[@ladyplum4851]

Lovely video, so enjoyed watching this. Thanks for uploading

[@maryvanulzen3414]

May I ask where your garden is located and what are your average high and low temperatures, especially in Autumn and Winter. I live in Southern Indiana, USA. I appreciate how thoroughly you film and explain your setup.

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Mary, the details are in the video description, I'm in the the north west of England in the UK. We are by the coast, so it's relatively warm but windy, I think we are roughly Zone 8 in the US : All the best - Steve

[@sezherdev]

Hi Steve! I didn't understand what you said, but I saw great greenhouses. I'll watch your video. I am writing to you through an online translator, maybe something is wrong, but the essence is clear. Good luck, like.

[@SteveRichards]

The translator works great! : All the best - Steve

[@amateurspotter2656]

Hi,great video, very informative. I am just deciding how to cover my only raised bed and watched your vid twice! Looking forward to seeing some more in the future. Thanks. Eamonn.

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Eamonn, glad you liked it! All of the construction details are in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/maTOloyCaMp3bLs

[@janetbull2616]

Thanks Steve really appreciated this video and information given I know I will find it invaluable as I start out my growing plot as a beginner gardener 👍

[@SteveRichards]

Glad it was helpful Janet : All the best - Steve

[@ShayLaRae75]

I hoped I could leave a picture for the question I have been because it would help, but my question is about my "greenhouse" , that is attached to my home. I put it in quotes because I am not sure if it would be classified as one. It has full Windows on 2 sides. Southwest and southeast windows... I think. Haha the other two walls are brick. They are my house. The floor is like a stone brick and the ceiling is a non insulated plain roof. I am done 6a. I never used it, I've lived here 10years. I just got into flower gardening and LOVE it! I totally regret not getting into it sooner. I have no idea how to use it. I don't know if I can start seedlings in there before the last frost or not. Please tell me what to research. Would I research cold frame greenhouses? Or something else? I just don't know even where to start. I think I will take a quick video and attach it, so you understand exactly what I am talking about. Please advise!

[@ShayLaRae75]

I made a little video to show you what I mean. Any advice will be wonderful! Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZyvo3-ledCYe7c

[@SteveRichards]

Hi, you will probably be best to start your early seedlings (Feb/March) inside the house where it's slightly warmer (onions, lettuces, brassicas which can cope with cold), you can do that anywhere that's around 65-75f. As soon as you see the slightest sign of green (after 4-7 days) move them into your 'sun room'. It will be warm enough there, but light levels will be too low at that time of year, but to fix that cover cardboard with crinkled kitchen foil and place that behind the seedlings on the window sills, so the sunlight is reflected back onto them, that should be ok. id try that before considering additional lighting. It will probably be too cold for very early tomatoes/peppers etc, but if you have a window sill in the house then that would be ok, with the kitchen foil trick too. If it's frost free in April it should be ok for tomatoes and peppers too. : All the best - Steve

[@ShayLaRae75]

@@SteveRichards That was super nice of you to respond to my questions. Thanks so much, I appreciate you! I'm going to give it a go!

[@Alan8746]

Very helpful Steve down here in Hobart, Tasmania. Alan

[@MuddyBootz]

good designs of your frames 👍. Keeping things standard size makes them more versatile......looking at converting a small bed into a cold frame....Nice one Steve 👍

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks Nigel, a bit of feedback from you is always a treat : All the best - Steve

[@debrakessler5141]

This was fantastic, thanks so much for sharing. N Idaho USA

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback Debra! : All the best - Steve

[@mikeharrington5593]

Could maybe use clear polycarbonate sheeting on your cold frames - more light, more robust, longer life than polythene sheets, & perhaps add a layer of bubble wrap on top in harsh winter conditions ?

[@SteveRichards]

I may well do that in the future Mike. These cold frames were cheap as chips and they had to pay back within 6 months. Four years later they are still going strong, I've harvested nearly £30,000 of veg and have a big war chest for future investments. I'm expecting them to last another few years and then I will do a complete redesign of the plot based on what I've learned : All the best - Steve

[@nduff2154]

Brill video, thanks. Im a total newbie. Made some raises beds, added hoops and couldn't decide to cover with poly or frost cloth. Would frost cloth not let enough light in? Would love to know more about winter watering too. So much conflicting info out there but i like your style and we are pretty much the same conditions as you in N.Ireland.

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Jane, poly is very hard wearing, much warmer and lets more light in, but it needs watering. Waterings isn't much of an issue from mid-October though once the ground gets cold at night. frost cloth/fleece is very fragile by comparison and even though it lets water in, the water will tend to run off and/or pool at the centre, so it's not perfect. As you say it will let less light in, but plants should be ok. By far the biggest issue though is what you are trying to achieve, with poly you will raise daytime temperatures a lot and plants growth rate doubles for every 10c rise in temperature, which makes a huge difference in winter if you want continuous harvests : All the best - Steve

[@gmroofingservices]

Hi, great video. Just a quick question. What is the plastic sheeting called that you use for the cold frame? And could you recommend where I can get some? Many thanks gavin

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Gavin, this is the stuff I use Elixir Gardens ® 10m x 2m Clear Polythene Sheeting | UV Treated | 500g / 12... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CBUEI9G/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_q0NDEbMPQBMCE : All the best - Steve

[@theuglykwan]

What direction should a plot face for good sun? Does it alter during the season? Trying to determine where to place my frame / what direction to angle it.

[@SteveRichards]

The hinge should face north, the coldframe should open south : All the best - Steve

[@theuglykwan]

@@SteveRichards Thanks very much! Does that change depending on whether you are in the north or south?

[@terrywilliams557]

Thanks for the cold frame info

[@ironian24]

with a victorian style greenhouse with dwarf brick work will you still get frost inside even if it is unheated in winter? I have built myself a 5mx3m victorian style greenhouse which I did a video on my channel showing build from start to finish, I finally finished the build june 10th 2021, I know this video is 3 years old now but for me it was well worth watching as I am also thinking of a polytunnel as well, what are your thoughts on this, I am growing Lemon trees and Orange trees, grapes,watermelons, tomatoes, salad peppers and chillies, the greenhouse is 3.6m tall so lots of glass and it holds the heat beautifully, 12 midnight and it is generally a good 10 degrees warmer inside, I have auto opening vented roof windows and they work when the greenhouse reaches 22 degrees. I feel the greenhouse will hold the heat more than a polytunnel will in winter so my thoughts are that orange trees and lemon trees should do well, saying that I don't really know so advise would be great, I should do a video on what I am growing right now so perhaps I could get advise as a newbie grower. the pandemic has kick started me off in this veg growing venture and last year with the limited resources I had I did rather well with the growing of carrots, chillies, onions, peppers, cantaloupe melons, tomatoes,runner beans, cucumbers,and finally I started my grape vine which now resides in the greenhouse and doing well with it's first crop of grapes. I would love your feedback on what your thoughts are on my greenhouse.

[@SteveRichards]

It will definitely freeze in winter, I'd expect a greenhouse to be about 1c warmer than a polytunnel in winter, but not much warmer than it is outside, it doesn't take long to loose heat in winter. The only way to keep crops frost free is with an extra layer of fleece and maybe a double layer of fleece : All the best - Steve

[@ironian24]

@@SteveRichards or heat it perhaps

[@SteveRichards]

Absolutely, it's not practical to heat a polytunnel of that size in winter, but if you are prepared to spend £1-2/night you should be able to keep it well above freezing. You could also fit secondary glazing, that would make a big difference to the heating cost : All the best - Steve

[@garethgc1141]

Excellent comparison

[@melissalocke3157]

Hi Steve, great video. Just wondering where you are located, just so I can compare weather. Great video, I’m from Alaska USA

[@SteveRichards]

I’m in the north west of England, zone 8 I think, cold matters less than wind, rain, hail and snow : all the best - Steve

[@wingabouts]

Hi Steve, thank you so much for a very useful video - quite a bit of knowledge packed in here! I read your description and loved that you gave your new people an explanation of your gardens and motivation. Wonderful idea! The only thing I'm missing is knowing where your garden is located. You say the hoops will keep snow off, but how much snow does your area get? How cold does it get in your area? This info could be added to the description area and just posted automatically with each video. I'm a first-time viewer and subscribed today. Again, this was a very helpful video!

[@SteveRichards]

That's strange Barbara, the default text that should be inserted into all of my videos starts with "If you are new to my allotment videos you might find a bit of context useful. We live in the north west of England, in Lytham St Annes, which I believe is the equivalent of USA Zone 8." Unfortunately youtube seems to not have used it for some reason. Anyway, we don't get much snow here, only a few inches at a time, worst case 6-12 inches, temperature is often above freezing, even in winter, but we get frequent night frosts of up to -4 with the odd one down to -8c : All the best - Steve

[@wingabouts]

@@SteveRichards Awesome! Thanks for the quick reply. I'm in zone 8 in Oregon, USA, so this is very helpful indeed. I've been watching quite a few videos from the UK's Charles Dowding as I've found his climate is a near match for mine as well...and his information is just spot on. Glad to have found your channel, looking foward to seeing more of your videos.

[@Tea_and_thyme_2012]

I’m just looking at maybe getting a cold frame as I’m quite new to gardening and I want to grow cut flowers next year. Have you got any recommendations for what’s the best one to buy, I know you made yours but neither me nor my husband have the DIY skills to do this. I’ve started my seedlings off and have got fab germination but my little zippy greenhouse just isn’t big enough to house them all. I don’t have room for a poly tunnel either.

[@SteveRichards]

I don't have a recommendation I'm afraid, I do have detailed instructions for making though steverichards.notion.site/Making-raised-beds-coldframes-and-tunnels-aa81d71a481e424b81293309723e3c0b

[@Tea_and_thyme_2012]

@@SteveRichards awww thank you so much. I would really like to give it go so I’ll have a look at this. By the way, your allotment has got to be one of the smartest I’ve ever seen you should be so proud of yourself.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks, I don’t really think of it that way, I’m just focussed on growing food for the family : all the best - Steve

[@barbarastefani254]

Thank you for this info and your time you put into your video

[@SteveRichards]

My pleasure!, if you're interested in growing under cover, be sure to check out by ebook, for loads more videos and other content steverichards.notion.site/Gardening-eBook-info-6f57489ae10a4721b48b421826203814

[@jeep4ron]

Great info. Thank you for explaining how things work for you . The garden beds look awesome.. just beautiful..!! Have a fantastic day..!!

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the feedback! : All the best - Steve

[@Elena-zm4fc]

Are all cold frames made of glass? If they are not attached to the bed, how do you secure against strong winds? Will they stay put?

[@SteveRichards]

Mine are polythene, small stakes hold them in place

[@shazzam532]

Absolutely brilliant video thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am going to use your ideas for the cold frames and small tunnel. I was wondering if you sunk the actual base of the frames into the earth? Or do they sit on top.. I thought the wind may blow them away if they are not anchored to the ground in some way. Apologies if you have covered that in another video.. thank you..

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Sharon, thanks for the lovely feedback. The cold frames sit on top of a raised bed full of earth, this makes them extremely stable, I use a few bits of spare wood to screw the cold frame top to the raised bed base at each end, that’s all it needs. The description has a link to detailed videos.

[@shazzam532]

@@SteveRichards Many thanks I will have a look, Sharon..

[@destination...diamond3892]

Steve, how wide are your hoop tunnel beds? And which direction is the long side on? I am researching how to garden before I begin. Thank you!

[@SteveRichards]

They are 3' 6" wide and 8' long. The long side runs roughly east/west. Don't research for too long, 90% of what you will learn will be by doing : All the best - Steve

[@IDVDalot]

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="564">9:24</a> I spotted your jug. What kind of whiskey do you make?

[@SteveRichards]

lol, it's a plastic drum Chris, used to contain seaweed meal : All the best - Steve

[@IDVDalot]

@@SteveRichards Well if you say so Ill take your word for it. I live in Nevada so to me that jug says " whisky" PS: on your video at 27 minutes you have a mini hoop house with mesh. This looks like it would work for me what Im wondering is. Is it on a frame and a hinge like your cold frames? IF not then how do you easily access the veggies? I live in a high wind area and we also have wild rabbits and squirls and of course birds that I would need to protect the crop from and this looks like a nice way to start

[@SteveRichards]

It's hinged and great in wind, look at the old videos in this playlist for construction details : All the best - Steve

[@petrisorserdaru4309]

May I know when is a good time to use the cold frame for cabbage, pumpkin,tomatoes,aubergines? January , February?

[@SteveRichards]

See my monthly growing guide videos, starting with January tomorrow and February later in the week. Basically though cold frames are no warmer than outside at night, but lovely and warm during the day. So grow nothing that needs warmth at night: so no peppers, squash, tomatoes, aubergines etc until May. Look in the description of tomorrows video for more details : All the best - Steve

[@CleanSlateFarm]

great video and information. I'm rethinking my hoop tunnels and planning a polytunnel. Gave me some ideas for mine. Thanks.

[@SteveRichards]

pleased it helped, I got lots of ideas off youtube before I got started too : All the best - Steve

[@nickohare7187]

Hi Steve thanks for a very informative video. A couple of questions Re the cold frames. First are the tops made of plastic sheet and how do you attach them to the frame? Second I notice you are planting direct into the soil. Do you have problems with weeds and if so how easy is it to weed them? Would you consider using weed mat and using pots instead of direct planting. My allotment is in North London BTW. Cheers Nick

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Nick, see the video description for links to construction videos. I don't really have a weed problem, I just mulch with 1-2" of weed free compost and that solves most of the weed pressure. I definitely wouldn't use weed mat, I've tried before and all I achieved was a lovely protected habitat for slugs/snails to flourish in : All the best - Steve

[@nickohare7187]

@@SteveRichards Hi Steve thanks for the info and sound advice

[@jenniferkelly4873]

Hi Steve loved your video. How does the poly tunnel fare in storms? My poly tunnel/green house blew away twice it’s now got cork screw type pegs and straps holding it down. Cheers jennifree

[@SteveRichards]

It's fine in storms so far and we do have strong winds here. Mine is also secured with screw anchors and these go deep into undisturbed ground www.firsttunnels.co.uk/spare-accessoriesDetail/screw-anchor the tunnel also benefits from wind breaks to the north and west : All the best - Steve

[@philippayne8901]

Hi Steve, why would you need to use a fleece in the polytunnel? Doesn't that provide enough protection on it's own?

[@SteveRichards]

The polytunnel provides good protection against wind and rain, an increase in heat during the day, but no real protection from the cold at night. In fact it can be colder at night in a polytunnel than it is outside, that's the same with a greenhouse. The fleece traps the heat that's been captured in the soil during the day and makes a big difference. I only use it when there's a hard frost though. : All the best - Steve

[@ashaion1777]

Hello mate, could I recommend Torx Stainless screws. Torx do not strip out like PZ and for repeated use are the best screws to use IMHO.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks for the tip, I need to get myself a stock for autumn! : All the best - Steve

[@Farner49]

When you say the plants don’t really do much in colder months is that because of temperature or the brightness and hours of good sun?

[@SteveRichards]

It's a combination of temperature, sunlight intensity, daylight hours and bio-availability of nutrients in cold soil : All the best - Steve

[@Farner49]

@@SteveRichards I’m Tryn to gauge if with a greenhouse that I can heat on colder nights if I could still get another 50 days of growing for high light plants My day temperature is already between 63-70 Any thoughts?

[@SteveRichards]

It depends where you are located, in the UK I don't think so. No matter how much you heat summer plants probably won't thrive at those light levels and cool weather plants will be quite happy without additional heat in a greenhouse. This video covers the topic best kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKDWg4F5hbeintk : All the best - Steve

[@AllThingsClarice]

Hi Steve 🙋🏼 nice one doll, I have cold frames (just put new perp spec on lid frames and I love mine... similar you what you have 👍 hugs x

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Clarice, they are great aren't they! : All the best - Steve

[@deanwatt]

So would you always prefer to put things in the low tunnels over the cold frames? Thanks!

[@SteveRichards]

I would Dean, but I still love the cold frames. I think this video covers why kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHbXq2mYd9V1fJo : All the best - Steve

[@ronyerke9250]

I think you missed one of the benefits of cold frames and hoop tunnels. It helps keep cats from digging into the planting beds and using them as toilets.

[@SteveRichards]

very true, we don't get that much on our plot, but the birds are almost as bad! : All the best - Steve

[@BruceHildebrand]

I’m here in WINNIPEG, Canada, hoping to get earlier starts and protection from squirrels.

[@ensign4Him]

I thought the same thing since I have 3 cats that spend alot of time outdoors and very much love my garden. I've pretty much trained them not to use as litter boxes but they still love to lay down among all that's growing!

[@graphguy]

that is fertilizer.

[@robertl.fallin7062]

@@ensign4Him Chicken wire stops cats and squirles .

[@petrisorserdaru4309]

May I know what height should be a cold frame front and back ? Thank you

[@SteveRichards]

You can find all of the details, measurements, build instructions etc in The Basics section of my ebook, which is free to read steverichards.notion.site/Making-raised-beds-coldframes-and-tunnels-aa81d71a481e424b81293309723e3c0b

[@edwardj456]

Hello, just found your channel. Great intro to these different season extending systems. I've just started gardening 2019/2020 and am looking to extend this fall season. I'm in USA Maine Zone 5a(-20F) what is you typical coldest temperatures? Thanks

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Edward, about -8c : All the best - Steve

[@juliehenderson1672]

Well done! With your video and garden! Much appreciated. Thank you.

[@jaxxon98]

What a great video! Thanks for all the useful information. Your venting system is brilliant. I love cold frames too but have a lot of voles in my garden (or one very busy vole). Do you have problems with voles or mice tunneling into your covered beds?

[@SteveRichards]

fortunately not, we have a lot of cats on our allotment site, so maybe they help with that. We do however have a moderate rat problem, but we keep it in check. Thanks for the feedback btw, much appreciated : All the best - Steve

[@dawnbusch3182]

You can add 1/4” hardware cloth (metal mesh) to the bottom of your raised beds to prevent underground burrowing pests like voles and moles 👍. We just staple gunned the mesh to the bottom when we first started the new beds.

[@jaxxon98]

@@dawnbusch3182 I have done this before but eventually the wood separates from the hardware cloth or rots and the voles will find a way in.

[@eefjeseetbarestadstuintje9959]

Hi Steve great video, i love the ventilation settings.

[@SteveRichards]

Thanks, ventilation is so important : All the best - Steve

[@dsrwalker1515]

Thanks for the tour of your polytunnel, Steve are the raised beds direct on soil, or place on the ground cover in the tunnel, if so how deep is the bed

[@SteveRichards]

The beds are 6" deep, filled with a mix of horse manure and mushroom compost, they are open bottomed, ie direct on soil. The landscape fabric is stapled to the inside of the bed frame, just to hold it in place : All the best - Steve

[@dsrwalker1515]

@@SteveRichards Thanks for the interesting reply, all the information and videos are a great motivator - just took ownership of a plot 125 sq Mts and all space saving tips / uses will be beneficial.

[@SteveRichards]

Oh that's exciting, I'm doing a tips video soon, but basically: always sow in modules (except carrots/parsnips), always sow spares, keep something growing in the soil all the time, mulch your beds (save water, feed soil, reduce weeds), try and interplant (radish between brassicas, spring onions between lettuce etc), grow the crops you like best, are sprayed most by commercial growers, and are most prolific (lettuces, new zealand spinach, kale etc) : All the best - Steve

[@janetbryan6717]

How do you keep pests off of your brassicas when you open the doors in your poly tunnel?

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Janet, I don't grow brassicas in the tunnel in summer, we don't have pests for the rest of the year. For other plants if you close the doors you keep the predators out as well as the pests, it only takes a few pests to sneak in and you have a problem (pest insects breed like crazy) : All the best - Steve

[@janetbryan6717]

@@SteveRichards thanks so much!! I love your channel and creativity!

[@SteveRichards]

@@janetbryan6717 Thanks Janet, lovely feedback : All the best - Steve

[@merjalaine2543]

Great instructional video Steve. I'm thinking this will keep the chem trails from contaminating food too. Now we can eat those early garden cold frame foods while the traditional open garden is just getting started.

[@SteveRichards]

Absolutely Merja, we are feeding 8 families at the moment with all of their leafy greens and we have much more than leafy greens ourselves. Last week we picked calabrese, romanesco cauliflower, broccolini, purple sprouting broccoli, sprouts, sprout tops, romanesco leaves, calabrese leaves, red cabbage leaves, radish, radish leaves, lots of types of kale, cabbage, true spinach, perpetual spinach, mizuna, giant red mustard, chard, kalettes, spring onions, celery, salad rocket, sorrel, claytonia, leeks, lots of bean tops and loads of lettuce. We also raided the store for: carrots, potatoes, onions, shallots, garlic, red beetroot, golden beetroot and dried pears/apples.

[@johnhealy9561]

@@SteveRichards Wow ! Just wow!

[@HortiHugo]

Really enjoyed this overview Steve 👍🏼

[@bartvanboterdael5275]

How much do you change the ground in the polytunnel ? Are using you fertilizer ?

[@SteveRichards]

I do use fertiliser, you can’t just take from the ground without putting anything back. At one time I just used compost, but I decided this was much too great a health risk. I cover this in my book, free to read here www.notion.so/steverichards/Looking-after-the-soil-12e8a30590914f1ea73cc20fd9d04444 : all the best - Steve

[@SteveRichards]

I don't change the ground at the moment, I just apply 1 inch of new compost, so far each year is better than the last. I am however using grafted tomatoes this year, with stronger roots and more disease resistance : All the best - Steve

[@AJWGBFX]

Hi Steve, great explanation of your variously clad frames and tunnels. What gauge polythene should be used on the low tunnels? Best wishes

[@SteveRichards]

I use 500g

[@CuriousinNY]

Steve's Seaside Allotment is that the same as 6 mil plastic?

[@SteveRichards]

@@CuriousinNY Hi Linda, 500g is the same as 0.125 mm, which is the same as 3 mil (3 thousanths of an inch) it's fine for small tunnels and cold-frames, but you'd want 1000g or 6 mil for big polytunnels. You also want to make sure it's UV treated and not 'builders' polythene, which will fail in a year or so. : All the best - Steve

[@AJWGBFX]

@@CuriousinNY 6 mil is 600 gauge. Multiply number of mils by 100. So, Steve's 500g would be 5 mil.

[@CuriousinNY]

Steve's Seaside Allotment Thank you.

[@VijayaBjoshi]

Hi Steve Good I found you. Great information. I am Homestead junkie but just a beginner. I am looking to grow microgreen. I have some wood from patio and might build mini green house. One question, if I use double glazing glass, got few doors and windows, what about heatin. Thinking of putting polythene on but it will defeat having glass. what do you think?

[@SteveRichards]

I've no experience of micro-greens I'm afraid, but as a greenhouse double glazing would be great, don't use extra plastic as that will reduce the light. I'm not sure how cold it gets where you are, but my double glazed conservatory almost never freezes, so a bit of fleece on the worst nights might be all you need

[@springkaye8280]

I don't see what zone you are in ? Very nice garden!

[@SteveRichards]

It's in the description of my videos, I'm in the UK Zone 8 : All the best - Steve

[@100mitchs]

Fantastic video, so many good ideas. How big is your poly tunnel?

[@SteveRichards]

It’s 10’ by 20’. Get the biggest one - within reason - that you can afford, get double doors at each end and never look back!

[@walleye855]

Hello Steve What part of the world r u growing in? I am on Vancouver Island so I think your set up will work here. Good video. Thank you for sharing. Jim

[@SteveRichards]

Hi Jim, I'm in Lytham St Annes in England. I'm 53 degrees north, you are about 50 degrees, so you get a bit more light than I do, much more winter rain I'm guessing, so frames would be great for you : All the best - Steve

[@leahclaire5470]

Hi Jim from the Kootenays. I grew up on the Island, and still miss the ocean and the rainforest 20 years on. And the 3-day hammering downpours, believe it or not! Nice to hear from someone back home.

[@rainkatt]

Hey Jim, we are just across the creek from you in Port Angeles WA! We are struggling to grow anything here this year, too much rain, lost all our outside tomatoes to blight, not much of anything was a success (except the weeds!) I'm considering cold frames as a last ditch effort to grow SOMETHING!!

[@billysanford9799]

Sir - This is a great informative video!