Moist air in cold frame

Well this has surprised me slightly. I have the same cold frame as helen, and have some herbs and stuff growing in it. Whats surprised me though, is that i dont seem to need to water the containers in it. Everything can drain no problem in it, and the compost always seems moist so doesn't seem to need watering. The leaves also have spots of water on them.

Does this surprise anyone or is it expected?

 

Hi NewbieGreen, it does surprise me, I can only think that you don't lift the lid to ventilate inside and that you are building up moisture as a result. Either that or the cold frame is in the shade and the plants are not very thirsty as a result?

 

Hi Newbie I haven't the same problem as you I still have to water my 'stuff' in the coldframe as they do get quite dry but our cold frame is sitting in full sun and on our gravel bed.
Helen.xxx.

 

You must ventilate your cold frames open them up as soon as the night frost as receded close them at night,if you leave them in this soogy stage you will ecourage moulds fungii and other nasties.

 

I am not surprised. A cold frame with a top on it is just the same as a big propagator. The whole purpose of a propagator is to prevent moisture escaping, so that your cuttings/seedlings don't dry out. But as Walnut said you must have some ventilation. Very high humidity is a breeding ground for all sorts of mould.

 

Thanks all, kind of what i suspected. Once i had thought about it i was kind of thinking along the lines of PeterS. It is more like a moring dew. Also i do ventilate it and it does dry up quite quickly.