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Strawbale coldframe

Last post 28-10-2009 12:28 PM by miranda. 8 replies.

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  • 24/10/2009 08:09 AM
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
    • 59
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    Hello!

    As a yet-to-start-alotmenteer (2 weeks until I get my hands on my plot!) I'm trawling the internet to find useful ideas on how to get started. I came across an idea for a very simple coldframe: the base is made of strawbales on top of which you would put your window panes to let the light in. The idea seems brilliant because of the obvious advantages: easy to build, cheap, the straw would generate it's own heat, the straw can be recycled as mulch or on the compost heap after use. It just seems to be too good to be true. Has anyone on here actually tried it? If so, was it a success?

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this!
  • 24/10/2009 02:12 PM
    In reply to
    • miranda
    • Oxfordshire
    • 17 Nov 2004
    • 2,976
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    It sounds like a reasonable enough idea to me, Eva. The only issue I can think of is that the lid wouldn't have a slope to it, so any condesation would drip on to the plants, which you wouldn't want, but you can fix that easily enough with padding at the base. 

    If you wanted to get fancy, you could make a base for the bales to keep them off the soil, out of railway sleepers or something, and then mortar the bales so they last longer. If that idea appeals, I have some pages about building a straw bale composting toilet which show how the bales were fixed in place, the building put up and the walls mortared. 

  • 24/10/2009 03:25 PM
    In reply to
    • willowman
    • Brittany, France
    • 25 Oct 2007
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     Great idea! It sounds like you know what you're doing. Just go for it and let us all know how you get on. Very bad back stops play! Boo hoo!

  • 25/10/2009 07:28 AM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
    • 59
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    thank you miranda, good point about the lack of slope, will see if i can build that in somehow. i guess it could be fixed by putting the strawbales on the sloped section of my plot or just build a sloped wall with some earth and placing the bales on that.

     Here's the link to the article i found with the instructions (such as there are): http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=578.

    The only problem i came up with myself is that mice could get in, so i'm on the lookout for chickenwire to wrap the bales in.

  • 25/10/2009 07:38 AM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
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    merci willowman, but honestly, i haven't a clue! i'm an armchair gardener Embarrassed and quite overwhelmed with the thought of actually having to take responsibility for a 100m2 plot. trawling the internet for ideas and just basic information like how many plants can i get into an x-sized plot really helps though and of course other people's experience on forum's like these.

    another thing that makes me slightly anxious is that everyone on the alotment needs to walk past my plot to get to theirs. and by the looks of their plots this summer they are all very experienced and successful gardeners. hopefully they'll give me advice rather than laugh when they come past! Smile
  • 25/10/2009 07:50 AM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
    • 59
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    i'm sorry to hear about your back troubles, make sure to get enough rest and i hope you better soon!

  • 25/10/2009 01:22 PM
    In reply to
    • miranda
    • Oxfordshire
    • 17 Nov 2004
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    Good luck with the project, Eva. It sounds exciting!

    If you have loads of experienced gardeners around you, make friends and start asking questions. You may be surprised at how willing your fellow gardeners are to offer good advice. Look at their plots and see what's growing well and what they've done with the ground. Let us know what happens Smile
  • 27/10/2009 12:45 PM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
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    hi miranda, i've met a couple of my neighbours already when i was checking out the various alotments schemes in my town, and they seem like a helpful and easy-going group of people. i've already been offered loads of advice, seeds and more strawberries plants than you can shake a stick at! Big Smile

    once i get started i'll post my pics and short blogs of the goings-on on my website. at least that'll give my friends the chance to stop me from going on and on about "that plot" as they're already calling it (accompanied by a lot of eye rolling for some strange reason Wink). there are already some pics of the plots as i found them this september: http://evavooijs.spaces.live.com/.

  • 28/10/2009 12:28 PM
    In reply to
    • miranda
    • Oxfordshire
    • 17 Nov 2004
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    Had a look at your pictures, Eva. It looks like a really nice site and, going on what's being grown, there are obviously plenty of people there who know what they're doing. Please do let us know how you get on, I'd love to see more. 

    Once you get to harvesting some vegetables, your friends will soon perk up their interest!