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Now the cold weather has firmly arrived, you'll need somewhere to keep your younger plants to protect them throughout the winter and protect your alpines from rotting in the rain. If you don't have space for a greenhouse, a cold frame is a good alternative.
These are typically less expensive than a traditional greenhouse as well as being lightweight and easy to move. Saying that, they won't provide as consistent an internal temperature as a full-size greenhouse, so do bear that in mind. Nonetheless, most cold frames do come with lids that can stay open, allowing for varying levels of ventilation, while still shielding the plants inside from rain.
We've rounded up 10 cold frames, from floor level options to larger, three-tiered ones to keep your plants safe, ready to be planted in the garden next year.
Garden Selections Wooden Framed Polycarbonate Garden Growhouse
With three tiers, there's plenty of space to keep all your plants safe in this growhouse.
Dimensions: 57cm x 76cm x 110cm
This cold frame is on legs, so it's easily accessible with no bending or kneeling required.
Dimensions: L90 x W51 x H104cm
If you need to leave the top open for ventilation on sunnier days (perhaps not in December, of course), this one has two independently opening lids with variable height settings. No stand, though, so you will have to kneel.
Dimensions: W100cm x D56cm x H40cm
This Victorian-style growhouse is both useful and beautiful – it'll look lovely tucked in a corner of your garden.
Dimensions: L70cm x W41cm x H75cm
This natural wooden cold frame is pressure treated to prevent rot and is made with sustainable FSC wood.
Dimensions: H37cm x W109cm D63cm
Plenty of plants to keep safe? This large cold frame should easily do the job – but make sure your garden is large enough!
Dimensions: H82cm xW121cm x D121cm
Smaller gardens will benefit from this half-size option. It's still roomy, and it's also light enough to move around easily.
Dimensions: H82cm x W121cm x D65cm
Keen veg growers, this one's for you. It comes with a stand, but it can also be placed directly on the ground.
Dimensions: H105cm x L76cm x W46cm
This cold frame has a shelf underneath to keep your watering can and other bits and pieces handy. We love the deep blue/grey shade, too.
Dimensions: H86 x W79 x D38cm
This cold frame has two shelves and an adjustable lid for ventilation. It's made from sustainably sourced wood, so it's got good eco credentials.
Dimensions: W60cm D61cm H80cm
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