10 of the best garden cold frames

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.

Black Friday deals:

Black Friday has arrived, so it’s a great time to make the most of discounts on seasonal items like cold frames. We’re keeping an eye on the retailers and brands offering reductions, so if you’re looking to make a saving, the following might be worth consideration:

Wayfair:

• Snug Harbor 5.9 Ft W x 3.4 Ft D Mini Greenhouse | £59.99 £26.99 (save £33 or 55%)
• Orlane 2 Ft W x 1.5 Ft D Cold Frame | £124.99 £72.99 (save £52 or 42%)
• Roseboro 3 Ft W x 3 Ft D Cold Frame | £124.99 £89.99 (save £35 or 28%)
• Senger 4.5 Ft W x 2.5 Ft D Greenhouse | £59.99 £47.99 (save £12 or 20%)
• Waldron 1.4m W x 1.4m D Greenhouse | £71.98 £51.99 (save £19.99 or 28%)

Wowcher is offering a great deal on Garden Grow Wooden Cold Frame from Thompson & Morgan | £99.99 £39.99 (save £60 or 55%)

10 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.

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: £48.99

Buy Timber Grozone Cold Frame from Amazon

A more compact cold frame for smaller plots, this model should fit snugly into tight spaces. Fitted with a split lid, each half can be accessed or ventilated separately, the glazing is hard-wearing polycarbonate and the frame is made from lightweight aluminium so it shouldn’t be too heavy to lift up and close.

Measurements: W100cm x D56cm x H40cm

Price: £54.99

Buy Aluminium Grozone Cold Frame from Crocus

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

This neat, toughened glass 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: £117.99

Buy Simplicity Toughened Glass Mini Cold Frame at Techduc

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: £90

Buy Forest Garden Mixed Softwood Cold Frame at B&Q

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: £94.99

Buy Large Pressure Treated Wooden Cold Frame at Cherry Lane

Halls’ 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: £149.99

Buy Rowlinson Hardwood Cold Frame from Brit Garen

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: £139.99

Buy Halls Aluminium Cold Frame at Halls

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: H45 x W46 x D90cm

Price: £62.99

Buy VidaXL Firwood Cold Frame from VidaXL

This Product Guide was last updated in November 2021 and we apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.