Cold Frame
This summer, my garden was my saving grace, offering the daily promise of adventures outside despite a busy work schedule. It's also what inspires my next meal, and what keeps me moving between them. So, at the end of the summer, I'm incredibly reluctant to let the fun end, even though today's unseasonably cool breeze reminded me that there's a big chill in my future.
Last winter, my friends in my community garden built a cold frame, and I watched them munch on mustard greens in March while I was still waiting for final frost. Too much hassle, I thought, too much work. But this year, after visiting Sean Conway and his glorious year-round green houses on his set of Cultivating Life, and getting my hands on his how-to guide by the same name, which gives easy steps for building a cold frame, I'm singing a different tune. I'm not going to let cool weather be an excuse for me or my greens to hibernate.
If your wood-working skills are lacking, you can buy a ready-made cold frame here that will keep your green thumb working even with woolen gloves. But if you're up for a DIY challenge, reclaim some salvaged wood and make your own cold frame with these easy steps.
Here's to hoping we're still swapping our harvests for months to come.