A Gardeners Forum Forums Members History Forum Life 2005 Fridges' new life as a cold frame

Well, I just did it! I've been waiting for an old fridge to come my way since I first read this thread.
A friend was replacing her old fridge, so I got it to replace our outside beer/wine fridge. Our outside fridge is now REALLY outside...it's next to the greenhouse on it's back ready to start its second life as a coldframe!

I took all the mechanics out, took the door off and drilled holes in the back for drainage. Dug a hole about 10" deep and set it in. Then put piling sections (timbers used to raise houses up here at the beach) on 2 sides a few inches away from the friges' sides. This space was filled in with dirt to, theoretically, increase the insulation effect. Yea, yea...I live in zone 9a, what do I need MORE insulation effect for? Hey! I had the timbers, had to use them somehow!
Since I was still a bit concerned about drainage, I filled the bottom with gravel, laid extra window screening I had laying around and put potting soil over that. I'm going to use a sliding glass door for the cover.
I also kept the freezer section lid on for seeds that need darkness to germinate.
Click mon the Webshots link below, there's a pic in the Garden folder.
Barb

That is a very "cool" idea
Got some glass or something to go over the top of it Barbie????

Hey barbie, that is a great idea

The cover's the the sliding glass door that's propped up on the side of the fridge.
I doubt I'll hinge it, just lay it on top and, when necessary, prop one side up wioth some wood to let air in.
Barb

oh yes, yes!!
I saw that after I went back and peaked
in your album again!!!
Did we ever get to see the inside of that
beautiful greenhouse you made????

I have my hotbox started, and now I need to build the wooden frame to mount the door.

I plan to add sand and a water bed heater to the bottom, the door I plan to use is in the background of the second picture.

Amigatec,
ooh~ooh, I would like to see more
pictures of that when you're done..