Seasonal temperature shifts limit what most home gardeners can grow. Spring often warms up slowly, summer heat can stress young plants, autumn cools quickly, and winter frost stops growth altogether.

A cold frame is a low, enclosed structure with a transparent lid, typically made of glass or polycarbonate. Its function is straightforward:

• Temperature Boost

Sunlight passes through the lid, warming the soil and air. Even a few degrees of added warmth can significantly improve seed germination and winter growth.

• Wind Protection

Shielding plants from cold winds reduces stress and helps maintain more consistent temperatures.

• Moisture Management

Cold frames moderate rainfall and prevent soil saturation, protecting seedlings and tender growth.

• Season Extension

They allow gardeners to start earlier in spring, continue harvesting later into fall, and overwinter hardy crops.

Cold frames are simple structures with outsized impact and are suitable for almost any home garden.

SPRING — Early Sowing and Seedling Transition

Early spring temperatures fluctuate sharply, but NookGrow can:

• Warm soil for faster and more uniform germination
• Protect young seedlings from late frost and cold winds
• Serve as a “hardening-off” zone for indoor-grown starts

Good spring crops & tips:

• lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, herbs, kale.
• Vent on sunny days to prevent overheating
• Gradually transition indoor seedlings into the cold frame over 3–7 days

SUMMER — Shade, Ventilation, and Seedling Protection

Although NookGrow is not used for heating in summer, it remains useful:

• Provide light shade for young or sensitive plants
• Protect new transplants from intense sun or heavy rain
• Serve as a controlled acclimation space

Common summer uses & tips:

• Tomatoes start, peppers start, perennial divisions, and heat-sensitive seedlings.
• Keep lids partially open for ventilation
• Add shade cloth where needed to prevent heat buildup

AUTUMN — Extending the Harvest and Fall Sowing

As temperatures drop, a cold frame becomes an effective buffer:

• Shields late crops from early frost
• Allows continued harvest of leafy greens
• Supports fall sowing for winter and early spring harvests

Ideal fall crops & tips:

• Chard, beets, kale, mustard greens, and late-season lettuces.
• South-facing placement maximizes autumn sunlight
• Keep lids closed at night to retain warmth

WINTER — Protecting Hardy Crops

A cold frame does not replace a heated greenhouse, but even a small temperature increase can sustain hardy plants in winter.

Winter cold frames help:

• Prevent soil from freezing
• Maintain slow, steady growth in hardy greens
• Protect herbs and overwintering root crops from weather extremes

Winter-tolerant crops & tips:

• spinach, winter lettuce, leeks, kale, Swiss chard.
• Add row cover or straw inside during cold snaps
• Vent occasionally on sunny winter days to avoid excess humidity

Different NookGrow structures influence seasonal performance. Below are four common design types, described using NookGrow models as examples:

NookGrow Ground

• Direct contact with soil
• Stable temperatures
• Best for deep-rooting crops and in-ground sowing

NookGrow Elevated

• Integrated raised planter
• Suitable for patios, balconies, or hard surfaces
• More ergonomic, requiring less bending

NookGrow Peak

• Higher interior space
• Improved air circulation due to dual-opening windows
• Effective for taller crops or summer ventilation

NookGrow Extend

• Larger planting area
• Good for multiple crop rows or family-scale gardens
• The roof can be removed in warm seasons for open-bed use

Choosing the right design depends primarily on available space, climate, and what you intend to grow.

Choose a Sunny Location

• A south-facing spot captures the most sunlight, especially in winter and early spring.

Vent Regularly

• Cold frames heat up quickly. Vent on sunny days during all seasons.

Monitor Moisture Levels

• Cold frames reduce evaporation, so water slightly less than open beds.

Supplement Insulation in Winter

• Add straw, leaves, or fabric row covers inside the frame for extra protection during very cold nights.

Clean Panels for Maximum Light

• Polycarbonate or glass panels can lose light transmission if dusty.

NookGrow offers gardeners a straightforward way to extend the growing season and protect plants from unpredictable weather. By moderating temperature, reducing wind exposure, and creating a stable microclimate, NookGrow helps make spring planting earlier, fall harvests longer, and winter gardening achievable.

Whether NookGrow Ground, NookGrow Raised, NookGrow Peaked, or NookGrow Extended, the structure you choose simply shapes how you use the tool.

The core principle remains the same:

A cold frame gives plants a more stable environment—so your gardening doesn’t have to stop when the weather changes.