A mini greenhouse can be a great way to extend the growing season for your plants, protect them from harsh weather, and control their temperature and humidity levels. A mini greenhouse can also be used to start seedlings earlier than would be possible outdoors, grow tropical plants that would not survive in the local climate, or experiment with different growing conditions and methods, such as hydroponics or aquaponics.
Additionally, some people may simply enjoy the process of building and maintaining a mini greenhouse as a hobby.
The difficulty of making a mini greenhouse can vary depending on the type and size of the greenhouse you want to build, as well as your own skill level and experience with DIY projects. Some mini greenhouses can be relatively simple and inexpensive to build, while others may be more complex and require more materials and tools.
1. Use Plastic Bottles
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a mini greenhouse is to use plastic bottles. You will need several plastic bottles, scissors, and plastic wrap or clear plastic bags. First, cut the bottoms off of the plastic bottles. Then, bury the bottoms of the bottles in the soil with the tops exposed. Place a plant in each bottle and cover the tops with plastic wrap or clear plastic bags. This will create a mini greenhouse effect that will protect your plants from the elements and extend the growing season.
2. Use a Plastic Container
Another simple way to make a mini greenhouse is to use a plastic container, such as a plastic storage bin or a large clear plastic bag. For this method, you will need a container, rocks or stakes, and plants. Place the container over your plants and secure it in place with rocks or stakes. So, this will create a mini greenhouse that will protect your plants from the elements and extend the growing season. You can also use duct tape or bungee cords to keep the plastic in place.
3. Use a Plastic Sheet
If you have a large area that you would like to create a mini greenhouse for, you can use a plastic sheet. For this method, you will need a plastic sheet, PVC pipe or wooden stakes, rocks or stakes, and plants. Stretch the plastic sheet over a frame made of PVC pipe or wooden stakes, and secure it in place with rocks or stakes. So, this will create a mini greenhouse that will help protect your plants from the elements and help you maintain optimum growth conditions. This method can be a little more complex but will create a larger greenhouse.
4. Use a Window
If you have a window that gets a lot of sunlight, you can use it to create a mini greenhouse. For this method, you will need a windowsill, clear plastic sheet or plastic wrap, and plants. Simply place your plants on a windowsill and cover them with a clear plastic sheet or plastic wrap. This will create a mini greenhouse that will protect your plants in an easily accessible location, especially if you live on the second floor of a building or have limited access to other spaces to grow your plants. So, this method is great for small plants or herbs.
5. Build a Cold Frame
A cold frame is a type of mini greenhouse that can be built using a variety of materials, including wood, brick, or concrete. For this method, you will need materials to build the frame, clear plastic sheet or plastic wrap, and plants. Simply build a frame that can be as simple as a wooden box, and cover it with a clear plastic sheet or plastic wrap. This will create a mini greenhouse that will protect your plants from the elements and extend the growing season. This method can be a little more complex for those who are not familiar with construction tools and may require more materials. So, it will create a large greenhouse.
6. Use a Terrarium
A terrarium is a type of mini greenhouse that can be made by placing plants in a clear container, such as a fish tank or a jar. For this method, you will need a clear container, lid or plastic wrap, and plants. Simply place your plants in the container and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. This method is great for small plants or succulents.
Conclusion
In summary, mini greenhouses are a great way to extend the growing season for plants, protect them from harsh weather, and control the temperature and humidity levels. There are many easy ways to make a mini greenhouse, including using plastic bottles, plastic containers, plastic sheets, windows, cold frames, or terrariums. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and can be tailored to the size and type of plants that you want to grow and the tools and space you have available to you. For example, using plastic bottles is a simple and affordable option for small plants, while building a cold frame or using a plastic sheet is a more complex and larger option.
Additionally, using a window is a great option for small plants or herbs, while a terrarium is perfect for small plants or succulents.
When building your mini greenhouse, it’s important to consider the location, size, and type of plants you want to grow. Make sure the location you choose is getting the right amount of sunlight, and that the materials you use are able to withstand the weather conditions. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you can access the plants easily for watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Once you have completed your mini greenhouse, you should monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside and make adjustments as needed.
By using plastic bottles, plastic containers, plastic sheets, windows, cold frames or terrariums, you can create a suitable environment for your plants to thrive. With a little creativity, some basic materials, and proper monitoring, you can create a mini greenhouse that will help your plants grow and flourish.
Katy Willis is a writer, lifelong homesteader, and master herbalist, master gardener, and canine nutritionist. Katy is a preparedness expert and modern homesteader practicing everyday preparedness, sustainability, and a holistic lifestyle.
She knows how important it is to be prepared for whatever life throws at you, because you just never know what's coming. And preparedness helps you give your family the best chance to thrive in any situation.
Katy is passionate about living naturally, growing food, keeping livestock, foraging, and making and using herbal remedies. Katy is an experienced herbalist and a member of the CMA (Complementary Medical Association).
Her preparedness skills go beyond just being "ready", she's ready to survive the initial disaster, and thrive afterward, too. She grows 100% organic food on roughly 15 acres and raises goats, chickens, and ducks. She also lovingly tends her orchard, where she grows many different fruit trees. And, because she likes to know exactly what she's feeding her family, she's a seasoned from-scratch cook and gluten-free baker.
Katy teaches foraging and environmental education classes, too, including self-sufficient living, modern homesteading, seed saving, and organic vegetable gardening.
Katy helps others learn forgotten skills, including basic survival skills and self-reliance.
She's been published on sites such as MSN, Angi, Home Advisor, Family Handyman, Wealth of Geeks, Readers Digest, and more.