Life Happens!

Extend Your Garden’s Growing Season With Easy Cold Frame Building Plans

Posted on 2026-01-312026-01-31 by Bert Swope

Build a cold frame from recycled materials to extend your garden’s growing season and allow sunlight to warm its plants while providing ventilation on warmer days. A clear cover allows sunlight to heat plants inside while being opened to provide ventilation when necessary. Check local dumpsters and construction sites (with permission) for discarded windows, pallets and scrap lumber that can be used to construct a cold frame. Recycled Glass Windows Recycled glass windows represent the pinnacle of sustainable building materials. Crafted from bottles, jars and containers that would otherwise end up in landfills, recycled window panes are tempered to strengthen

What to Plant in a Cold Frame Month by Month For Early Spring Harvests

Posted on 2026-01-312026-01-31 by Bert Swope

One of the greatest pleasures of gardening is reaping your harvests. While warm season crops such as cucumbers, tomatoes and southern peas should be planted outdoors after their last frost date has passed, you can extend their growing season using a cold frame. Grow leafy greens like spinach and lettuce for easy harvesting. Or try growing radishes, green onions and chard. April Cold frames are simple structures designed to capture sunlight and maintain warmth for optimal plant growth. You can make one from recycled window frames or more sturdy materials such as plywood or concrete, using bales of hay as

Proper Use of a Cold Frame and Ventilation Tips to Avoid Overheating and Fungal Problems

Posted on 2026-01-312026-01-31 by Bert Swope

Cold frames create an ideal microclimate to shield annual flower and vegetable seedlings from frost during their first winter in their garden, helping ensure successful overwintering for an abundant garden come spring. When used correctly, this simple garden structure ensures successful overwintering – creating vibrant gardens every spring. Construct a basic wooden-framed enclosure and cover it with transparent plastic or glass to capture sunlight and orient its lid so that it catches more of it; add straw or leaves as insulation during wintertime to help insulate it further. Ventilation Cold frames are transparent structures built into the ground that create

Cold Frame Placement and Orientation For Warmest Winter Microclimate

Posted on 2026-01-312026-01-31 by Bert Swope

Cold frames are affordable structures that can extend the gardening season by protecting plants from frost. Constructed from recycled materials, they maximize warmth when positioned southward. Considerations like microclimate, wind breaks, and proper ventilation are crucial for success. Experienced builders can enhance home designs for efficiency and resilience in cold climates.

How To Make A Dairy Free Buttercream Frosting

Posted on 2026-01-302026-01-30 by Bert Swope

Dairy free buttercream frosting is a whipped frosting made without dairy, utilizing non-dairy fats, powdered sugar, and flavorings like vanilla. It resembles American buttercream but may have varying textures based on the fat used. Controlling temperature is essential for achieving the desired consistency. It can be stored and made ahead of time.

How To Make Vegan Buttercream Frosting At Home

Posted on 2026-01-302026-01-30 by Bert Swope

Vegan buttercream frosting is a dairy-free icing made from plant-based fats, powdered sugar, and liquid. The key ingredients are vegan fats, powdered sugar, and optional flavors. Proper mixing and temperature control are crucial for achieving a smooth texture. It can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for two months.