Cold frame from free cycled windows ... ...

Here's yet another thing I've made using recycled things, this time four square windows I got from free cycling.
As it happens they are actually quite nice windows, wooden framed with hand made glass in them, the glass has a slight blue tint to it, I also got a couple of replacement glass panels with them, which is handy in case any of the panels get broken.

It wasn't a difficult thing to build, it's basically a 2x2 frame covered with 10mm tongue and grove, the windows sit on top, and open upwards, I made the 2x2 from some sections of wood I had lying around, I used a table saw to rip the lengths of wood down to size, a handy tool to have, you can pick a half decent one up for about £100

Here it is -

This was taken when I'd just finished building it.

I have fixed the whole thing to the wall of the house, but it's only held with 4 screws, so it can be moved pretty easily. I fixed the windows at a slight downwards angle, to help any water that collects on the glass flow away, and it also increases the amount of sun light that gets into it.

Finally it was given a coat of black paint, again there was method in my madness, if it's black it will absorb more heat, meaning (fingers crossed) I will be able to start things off a little earlier come spring.

All in all it was a bargain cost wise, only cost about 10 quid for a cold frame 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, it didn't take long to construct, and it will hold a good few seed trays, and some pots, and probably (again finger crossed) it will out last any cold frame I could have bought.

Here's another picture -

It seems to be weathering quite well.

It currently has a very large cucumber plant in it, with a couple of good sized cucumbers on it, I don't think it'll be too long before the temperature inside the cold frame is too low for the plant, but it seems to be doing okay at the moment.

I finally managed to get the patio slabs laid properly (after 2 years, long story) and the whole section of the garden looks pretty good, even if I do say so myself, by the way the pots in the picture above were also free cycled, they are actually from an old flue, we got 5, foot long sections, which as you can see we've used for pots, there are a few the other side of the cold frame, the band round the top of each pot is copper, it helps stop slugs and such like.

Free cycling is a good way to get things for your projects for free, and you also get the benefit of helping some one out as well, it's a good way to do things, helps stop so much stuff going to land fill to.

Thanks for reading.