Wall-mounted cold frame

Make a space-efficient winter garden essential from a reclaimed window and fence palings

You will need: Old wooden window (ours measured approx 50cm x 120cm), 2 x 1.2m fence palings, 2 x 1.8m fence palings, 60mm galvanised flat head nails, bucket, clean cloth, clean running water, Hammer, 2 x exterior hinges with appropriate screws, window stay with appropriate screws, pencil, screwdriver, sandpaper, saw, set square, stiff-bristled brush, tape measure, paintbrush, Resene Lumbersider tinted to Resene Quarter Moonbeam, Resene Paint Prep and Housewash, Resene Quick Dry.

Top tip: For safety’s sake and to avoid potential damage to plants, ensure the window opens away from the prevailing wind.

Handy hint: Use galvanised or stainless steel hinges and exterior timber screws to avoid rusting.

To finish off: Attach the cold frame to a wooden shed wall or fence using 60mm timber screws or nails.

Here’s another idea: This cold frame could also be used horizontally on the ground – instead of using a window stay simply attach a small hinged piece of wood to keep the window open when needed.

Step one
Mix one part Resene Paint Prep and Housewash to three parts clean water.

Step two
Wash the window and frame thoroughly with the solution using a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse well with clean water and allow to dry.

Step three
Measure, mark and cut six 50cm lengths from the two longer fence palings, using the set square to ensure ends are at right angles. Smooth rough edges with sandpaper.

Step four
Fix four of the 50cm lengths together with 60mm nails to form two ‘L’ shaped pieces, as shown.

Step five
Attach the two 1.2m fence palings to the ‘L’ shapes to create the sides of the cold frame and attach the inner shelves, as shown, fixing through the sides with 60mm nails. Make sure the shelves align with the cross bars of the window.

Step six
Sand the window frame, removing any flaking areas of paint, and wipe with a clean cloth.

Step seven
Spot prime any areas of bare wood with Resene Quick Dry and allow two hours to dry.

Step eight
Prime the main body of the cold frame with one coat of Resene Quick Dry and allow two hours to dry.

Step nine
Apply two coats of Resene Quarter Moonbeam to the main body of the cold frame, allowing two hours for each coat to dry.

Step ten
Apply two coats of Resene Quarter Moonbeam to the wooden window frame, allowing two hours for each coat to dry.

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Resene Paints (Australia) Limited – www.resene.com