Just got a cold frame! What can it do?

[AMKuska]

My sister sent me a cold frame as a gift! I've never had one before, and am very excited about it. It looks like it's used to extend the season, but by how much? I'm in zone 6b. It's usually middle of April before last frost. Would that mean I could shelter plants in it at the beginning of April? March?

 

[Dahlia]

My sister sent me a cold frame as a gift! I've never had one before, and am very excited about it. It looks like it's used to extend the season, but by how much? I'm in zone 6b. It's usually middle of April before last frost. Would that mean I could shelter plants in it at the beginning of April? March?

That sounds like gardening joy! I'm happy for your good fortune!

 

[ducks4you]

You now OWN a greenhouse. Small.
You can save 1/2 gallon milk jugs, clean them out, fill them with water, put them in the corners and they will absorb heat and give any early starts night time warmth.
You can start your vegetables probably 2 weeks early in your cold frame.
I am NOT an expert, but this is a kingly gift indeed!!

 

[digitS']

I had problems with a cold frame during Springtime cloudy skies with sunbreaks.

The temperature would, evidently, soar inside quickly. I didn't respond to the sunshine on a chilly morning quickly enough. Burned up plants! I needed more space inside and built a small greenhouse – the first for the backyard. I later expanded that twice and gained even more time to respond .

I've never had an automatic vent opener but installing one may be a good thing for you to look into.

Steve