Need a new cold frame

Discussion in 'Greenhouse Growing' started by Dips, Dec 7, 2014.

  1. Dips

    Dips Total Gardener

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    Would love some help guys

    I had a very cheap cold frame which worked well but unfortunately when i moved it to the end of the garden while the patio was being done, a cat has jumped on top of it off the fence, popping out the polycarb sheet and it won't go back in.

    So im in need of something better in time for when i need to harden off plants

    Had a look around but nothing is really appealing too me and if it does it has terrible reviews. Ideally it needs to be less than £100 but would love to hear some suggestions of good ones.

    thank you
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    I've got a couple: a cheap polycarb one that cost around £30, but every time we get gales it blows around the garden like a sail. The other is a DIY bigger one, a lot more substantial with a wooden frame and acrylic sheets, that's the one I use all the time. All I can say is go for a heavier one with anchor points, unless you have a sheltered garden.
     
  3. Dips

    Dips Total Gardener

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    sorry for the delayed reply JWK

    this is the one i currently have which looks nothing like the picture now for some reason http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004NCY5K2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01

    I don't need to worry about it being blown around as the wind blows over the top of the garden so anything below the fence/hedge height is fine

    I guess my main concern is the cats jumping off the fence on to it which has been the main problem with this one as they bent the mental things that hold it open and now have popped the polycarb sheet out of the wooden frame.

    so need something thats cat proof and wont bend or become unusable if they jump on it

    any ideas anyone?
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      How about something like this from Primrose:

      [​IMG]

      I'm wondering if that frame/plastic might be stronger to resist cats jumping on it. I haven't got one of these by the way, just found it googling so I can't really recommend it from experience.
       
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      • Dips

        Dips Total Gardener

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        Thanx JWK

        That is one i had seen on a few places but always seems to have poor reviews

        I do restrict myself as well as I will never buy from Primrose ever again after the appalling, rude customer service i got from them after ordering some really expensive pots that didn't mention they had a false bottom in them so weren't as deep as the whole height of the pot. Apparently that was my fault and not theres for not including it as they didn't need to say it had a false bottom apparently. Then wanted to change me over £50 to return them.

        Took weeks to sort out but luckily i got to return them for free eventually since the product wasn't as describe.

        complete nightmare tho
         
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        • Jungle Jane

          Jungle Jane Middle Class Twit Of The Year 2005

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        • Dips

          Dips Total Gardener

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          Because my building skills are appalling and it would use up energy that i could use for something else
           
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          • philomel

            philomel Pottering in SW France

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            I shall be watching your thread with great interest Dips. I have three cold frames all in complete disrepair on account of my three cats using them as sun beds - they don't even need to be doing acrobatics to smash the frames! :cat-kittyandsmiley::cat-kittyandsmiley::cat-kittyandsmiley::wallbanging:
            Do hope you find the solution :fingers crossed:
             
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            • Dips

              Dips Total Gardener

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              Ah cats can be a nightmare at times cant they

              Im not getting a new ine cant afford it now so going to attempt to tape the panel on in hope that will see me through until my birthday in June and then pray i get one for my birthday lol
               
            • philomel

              philomel Pottering in SW France

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              :fingers crossed::fingers crossed::fingers crossed: :smile:
               
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