Using a cold frame

[rpt]

I've just ordered a cold frame and have a few questions about how to use it.

Firstly it will be to harden off all the vegetable plants that are (hopefully) growing on my kitchen windowsill. I plan to put the plants in the cold frame in the middle of May with the lid down for a week, then a week with it open during the day and closed at night, and then finally for a week with the lid open all the time (closing at night if any frosts are forecast). It will then be the start of June and I can plant out in the beds. Does this seem a sensible plan? Could I start this a week earlier if the weather was mild?

During summer I plan to grow courgette, pepper and butternut squash. Since these won't all fit in, which would benefit most from being in a cold frame? Do I just leave the lid slightly open? Will insects get in ok to pollinate?

Finally, what can I grow over winter? I think I can have lettuces all winter but is there anything else I can grow to eat over winter or is it just for starting off plants early for planting out in spring?

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks,
Richard.

[veggiechicken]

Hi Richard and welcome! I don't have a cold frame so can't really help but I just wanted to say hello.
Someone knowledgeable will be along shortly!!

[rpt]

Hi veggiechicken

Thanks for the welcome.

Richard.

[Bigmallly]

Welcome to the vine Richard, I have been putting stuff in the coldframes while up at the lottie with the lid wedged, then putting them back in the GH when going home. Just keep an eye on the temps. The idea of a coldframe which I am sure you are aware is to slowly acclimatise your plants to the outside so they don't have the sudden shock of going from warm to cold in one move. Over winter I have seen Parsnips, Swedes & Leeks being harvested. I am sure there are many more.

[taff]

kale, cabbage, chard [protected], scorzonera, beetroot [stick a cover on it or put it in clamps]

[rpt]

Thanks for your answers, but what I meant to ask is what can I grow over winter in a cold frame?

[greenishfing]

Hi, I'm in yorkshire too. In summer courgettes and butternut squash and other squashes grow fine outside and tend to take over the garden. Peppers tend to be more fussy and like heat.

[winstonwobble]

sounds like a good plan just keep your eye on the weather you could try winter cabbage and broccoli they will be happy with no protection allong with sprouts leeks and parsnip ps welcome and happy growing

[taff]

garlic, you can put in broad beans in pots, peas in pots [ready for the spring] lettuce, chard, cabbage and kale will be too big really....