Simple newby set-up

[wuldiba]

Just new into hobby, put up a couple of shelves against the summer house and put bars around them to prevent the trees falling off.
Put up a bench that spars the two potting tables. Built a canopy over it all as it never stops raining here in scotland. Also have two cold frames.either side (one heated) for the cold winters we tend to get.

 

[rockm]

Nice attempt—but not trying to be critical— honest—just to point out some things you might want to think about. You will likely discover what you have set up isn’t really practical day to day and season to season.

For instance Heating a cold frame (particularly small ones like you have) is problematic. Unless you have temps below 10 f (-12 c) consistently for days heat is not really a great thing to do (this can depend on species but junipers, chinese elms Japanese maples trident maples) don’t need heat. If you’re working with native species you definitely don’t need heat.

Scotland is roughly the equivalent of USDA Zone 7. I live in USDA Zone 7. I have overwintered all those species and more using only garden beds and mulch for the last 30 years. Have had temps below 0F many times. Thick mulch lags the worst of the worst temps.
BTW the object of sheltering trees in the winter is not to keep them “warm” but cold enough to keep them dormant

Small shelter boxes tend to heat up quickly and cool down quickly. That can be a real problem in overwintering trees as the warmth triggers growth too early which is then killed by subsequent freezing or frost. That goes for both cold frames. Once deciduous trees open their leaf buds their root lose 99 percent of their ability to withstand freezing temps.

The shelves against the wall aren’t really great for day to day. The side against the wall wil be shaded out and the side facing the light will get stronger. That will make a lopsided looking tree. Under the eaves of your roof means a lot less sunlight over all. Shelves are also a bit narrow. As your trees grow they will tangle branching and shadow growth places that closely together. That can also lead to weakened branching and others problems like insects that like crowded dense foliage

You don’t really need all the elaborate stuff. Overwintering trees can be as simple as placing them on the ground and mulching the pots over the top and up the trunks bit. A simple three foot tall eight or nine foot bench in the yard is adequate placed where it gets ample sun.

A word about rain. It’s not a problem if you have used soil that drains well. Simply tilting the pot to one side propping one side up on a rock or something will drain excessive rainfall pretty well.

 

[wuldiba]

Brilliant reply sir. Take on board what you have said. Will definitely make some changes on your suggestions.
Appreciate it.