COLD CLIMATE GARDENING
In climates such as Alaska, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, and even in some parts of Northern California cold climate gardening can be an impossibility! Households are forced to rely on costly produce that is shipped in from out of state and oftentimes are not fresh and are also treated with chemicals to extend the shelf life.  The ideal solution is a large greenhouse heated with a waste oil heater or pellet heater.  However, in our economy this is not a practical solution on a limited income. 

Benefits of a ground level cold frame: 

• The ground acts as natural insulation.

• Start the seeds indoors and then bring outdoors to your cold frame.

Cold Frame Design:  There are many kinds of cold frames that are above ground and low ground.  For cold climates with moderate snowfall, I chose a design at ground level and a slanted top. Cold Frame bins should face south for maximum sunlight exposure and have at least a 10 percent angle to make the most of the limited sunlight in northern regions.

Construction:   This is a simple box frame.  Size and shape all depends on your needs.  Walls of cold frame should be at least 2" below the soil level.  Also remember to line the surrounding area and the hole with a layer of gravel for water drainage.  You can use fiberglass or other transparent material such as a heavy duty plastic tarp. Ideal dimensions should be approximately 18 inches at the back and 12 at the front to provide a good angle facing the sun and rain/snow drain off.

Heat with Christmas tree lights.  Christmas tree lights can raise the temperature in your cold frame by 20 degrees! You can also add a heating cable, the same kind you wrap around water pipes to keep them from freezing.  Power the lights using solar power.  Solar power is now available at the same rate as your regular heating bill.  You may also purchase a small solar panel used for lighting driveways or opening gates for $20-$60 dollars depending on how many lights need powering. 

Natural Blanket:  Use mulch, grass clippings, or straw for insulation around the plants.  Outside the box create a 3" berm for added insulation.  

Preparing the Seedling Mix
Mix 1 part vermiculite to 1 part Miracle Grow Moisture Control potting mix.  Vermiculite is a foam-like volcanic conditioner that will stretch your soil volume and also act to retain water.  It is also a natural germicide and will help to prevent a build up of mold and mildew.  Vermiculite can be purchased by the bag (3.5 cubic feet) at Lowes for $24 and goes a long way.  Perlite is a good substitute for vermiculite, but it is has a more dusty texture and can float to the surface of a container during watering.  If you are someone who is not someone who does well with seeds, then small plugs can be purchased from a garden nursery. 

◄ This is the design I will be building soon. The box has 4 sides and a lid. There is no bottom.  It is inserted about 5 inches down into the ground.  It is similar to the drawing at the top of this page, this design is made with all Plexiglas.

  Here is what I plan to do...
1.  Dig a hole to the size of the box I wish to build.
2. Cut Plexiglas to size with slanted top edges.
3. Seal the 4 corners of the box with clear silicone or tile sealer.
4. Support corners with wooden stakes.
5. Punch 4 holes on the back of the box and 4 holes on the lid. Attach lid with zip ties.
6. Attach bottom of lid with a hook.
7. Hang Christmas lights for heat.
8. Build up berm as in plan above.

 
References:

http://www.alaskamastergardeners.org

http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/ethanol_motherearth/me4.html#mwoh

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/072508/nei_309624417.shtml

http://www.ptialaska.net/~pbabcock/patch/

http://www.scotts.com/smg/learn/infoHowToArticle.jsp?detailId=15300016

"Starting Dates for Vegetable and Flower Seeds to Grow Transplants"--University of Alaska Cooperative Extension.