This cold frame was designed for small nurseries or Christmas tree producers as an inexpensive system for the propagation of a small number of cuttings. The system has worked well at our Auburn greenhouse complex and at a few nurseries where we have installed it as a demonstration. Depending on your spacing, you should be able to get 2,500 to 6,000 cuttings in the cold frame.

We will soon post our Leyland Cypress Production page with more information on using the propagation bench in the production of that popular tree.

MATERIALS LIST (all wood is treated)

FRAME: (use scrap for corner braces and joints)
16............2" x 10" x 10' (can use 2" x 12")
2.............2" x 4" x 8'

CENTER BEAM:
40'...........2" x 4"
20'...........2" x 6"

DOORS:
21............2" x 4" x 8' (rip in half for 2" x 2")
1/2" sheet....1/2" plywood (for triangle braces)
6.............handles
40'...........4' wide shade material or screen (50%)
12............T-hinges 5" long

IRRIGATION:
1.............24-hour timer AND 1 10-minute cycler timer
OR 1..........combination mist irrigation timer
1.............electric solenoid 3/4 (1")
approx. 60'...3/4" PVC pipe schedule 40
11............3/4" PVC T's
3.............3/4" PVC L's
3.............3/4" PVC ball valves
12............3/4" PVC caps (glue)
10............Dramm Pin Perfect Nozzles (any mist nozzle you like will work if spaced properly) and inserts

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:
1 box.........3" deck screws
1 box.........1" wood screws
1.............24 volt transformer

These supplies were purchased in 1997 for a cost of $500.

For size specifications and instructions click on steps 1-6.