My cold frame growing method
I present to you my growing method that I have been using for years. I have changed and adapted it over the years. In my opinion, the following points should be remembered:
Winter humidity is enemy #1
Cacti should generally be kept dry from the end of September to April, except for specific genera such as Pediocactus, Austrocactus or Sclerocactus .
Ventilation is necessary whether naturally or by fan
Good wind resistance must be provided
The cold frame
I grow the majority of my hardy cacti in three cold frames from the German brandBiostar. The quality is there and they are ergonomic. They have protection against slugs (in the form of very fine plastic mesh) which are, for us cactophiles, very useful as protection against hail. The roof panel is removable. In the summer I remove them and when it rains the cacti are watered naturally. Important aspect, I keep my plants dry from the end of September to April.
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I modified one of the frames by cutting openings on the side to allow the air to circulate well. This is intended for the cultivation of Pediocactus who appreciate strong ventilation.
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The range is on sale at Landi.
Shading
I apply a shade veil on the part of the frame which shelters the plants in summer rest like the Pediocactus and Austrocactus. These are plants that do not like hot weather and they stop growing in summer.
Ventilation
Winter humidity is very harmful to our plants. Ventilation is important in chassis for two reasons:
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Prevent fungal diseases in winter when humidity is high
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Reduce the risk of burning in summer due to stagnant hot air
It can be natural or by fan. I use fans with solar panels purchased from Aliexpress for around $20. They are functional and so far I have no problems. Compared to a fanless winter, the difference is stark. They allow me to avoid 99% rust attacks.
Except on snowstorm days, I always leave the chassis doors ajar for maximum air circulation.
Fixing to the ground
After a bad experience where my first home built frame tipped over and living in an area with strong winds, I decided to rethink the mounting of my new large frame. This is now screwed onto CFF-type pallet frames which themselves rest on euro pallets. The weight of the set is considerable and resists the wind.
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The Pediocactus frame is placed on the ground with anchors.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater is the best for our plants. Also having a collection of carnivorous plants and significant fresh water needs, I built a rainwater collection channel (when the roof panels are closed) which directs it to a 250L flexible tank.
