Cold frames are ideal if you are sowing seeds, raising cuttings, or growing tender plants that will benefit from a bit of protection during the colder months. They come into their own if you don’t have space for a greenhouse, too.
Spring is a busy time for growing under glass, and using a cold frame now will allow you to get peas and beans off to an early start or harden off tender young plants, ready for the summer months. It will also extend the growing season over the autumn and winter, looking after cuttings ready for the new year and nurturing newly sown hardy annuals – for added protection through the colder months find out how to insulate your cold frame.
Whether you’re looking for wooden cold frames from sustainably sourced timber or something a little more modern, you’ll find just what you need in our pick of garden cold frames.
You might find our guide to the best potting benches helpful, as well as our round up of the best secateurs if you’re planning to propagate your plants.
11 of the best garden cold frames for plants
Browse our recommendations for garden cold frames, in a variety of sizes and mix of materials, below:
VegTrug Small Wallhugger Greenhouse Frame & Multi Cover Set
This will transform your VegTrug into a mini greenhouse with a polythene cover that helps warm the soil in the spring and lets in plenty of light to encourage seedlings to thrive. It features windows on three sides, and there’s a micromesh layer to offer protection against birds and other pests.
Measurements: L99cm x W71cm x H90cm
Price: £69.99
- Buy the VegTrug Small Wallhugger Greenhouse Frame & Multi Cover Set from Crocus and Robert Dyas
- Buy the VegTrug Small Wallhuggers from Crocus and Robert Dyas
FeelGoodUK Large Cold Frame Greenhouse
This is a well-designed large cold frame with doors on the front, as well as vents on the roof that can be propped open. PVC panels allow light to help seedlings and plants thrive, while offering protection against harsh weather. It comes flat-packed, so factor in some time to build it.
Price: £119.99
- Buy FeelGoodUK Large Cold Frame Greenhouse on Amazon
Urban Balcony Raised Bed and Hood
Designed to fit the Urban Raised Bed (link) this transparent cover enables balcony-growers to provide a bit of plant protection and get seedlings off to an early start, too. We particularly like that there are holes in the top, which means you can water without removing the hood.
Price: £13.99
- Buy the Urban Balcony Raised Bed Hood from Crocus and Robert Dyas
- Buy the Urban Balcony Raised Bed from Crocus and Robert Dyas
Timber Grozone Cold Frame
This ground-level cold frame box sits pretty amongst the flowerbeds. The timber frame is pressure treated to protect against rotting and the plastic panes are shatter-resistant for sturdiness and peace of mind. It also has adjustable height settings so you can fix it to a level that works for you.
Measurements: W100cm x D65cm x H40cm
Price: 67.99
Timber Grozone Max
For those who need more space, this large, multi-level cold frame has plenty of room to germinate seeds and shelter plants from the elements. The polycarbonate glazing is UV-stabilised and the wooden frame is made from FSC-certified timber. For easy access and ventilation across every shelf it has double front doors and a lift-up lid.
Measurements: W69cm x D49cm x H120cm
Price: £179.99
- Buy Timber Grozone Max from Waitrose and Robert Dyas
Simplicity Toughened Glass Mini Cold Frame
This neat, cold frame would work well in the corner of a patio and doesn’t take up too much room. The two safety glass windows can slide out completely or lift into preset positions to suit different stages of growth or weather conditions.
Measurements: D64 x H53cm
Price: from £69.99
- Buy Simplicity Mini Cold Frame at Techduc
Forest Garden Mixed Softwood Cold Frame
This large cold frame has dual lids which can be propped open or closed individually. Each is fitted with a single pane of acyclic glazing, while the frame itself is made from sustainably sourced pressure treated timber and is expected to last for up to 15 years.
Measurements: W109 x D63 x H37cm.
Price: £98
- Buy Forest Garden Mixed Softwood Cold Frame at B&Q and Robert Dyas
Large Pressure Treated Wooden Cold Frame
Made from pressure treated FSC certified timber, this wooden cold frame has been built to last. Two individual lids each feature a single pane of transparent acrylic and can be propped open separately to allow ventilation. A long, good sized cold frame, this would sit well in larger gardens or on allotments.
Measurements: W167 x D50 x H37.5cm
Price: £104
- Buy Large Pressure Treated Wooden Cold Frame at Cherry Lane
Rowlinson Hardwood Cold Frame
Rowlinson’s hardwood cold frame features twin-walled polycarbonate glazing and has two storage shelves, offering extra room for young plants to thrive. Access, care and ventilation are provided through the front opening door or the lid, which can also be propped open. It’s guaranteed for one year.
Measurements: H80 x W60 x D61cm
Price: £159.99
- Buy Rowlinson Hardwood Cold Frame from Robert Dyas and Brit Garen
Halls Aluminium Cold Frame
If you’re looking for a cold frame with a little more height, this model with its apex sliding roof is a good option. The four roof lids provide easy access from every angle and they’re glazed with panes of toughened safety glass. The frame itself is made from aluminium and steel and guaranteed for 10 years.
Measurements: H62 x W86 x D129cm
Price: £159.99
- Buy Halls Aluminium Cold Frame at Halls
VidaLX Firwood Cold Frame
VidaXL’s simple, wooden cold frame offers a wide, easily accessible nurturing space. Tanalised wood gives improved weatherproofing and a single, dual window lid provides easy access to your plants. It’s guaranteed for a year.
Measurements: H41 x W56 x D109cm
Price: £53.99
- Buy VidaXL Firwood Cold Frame from VidaXL
This Product Guide was last updated in April 2022 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
