Laura's Little House Tips

Lifestyle Blogger & Recipe Blogger

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Make your Own
  • Tips
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Travel
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Make your own Mini Greenhouses – DIY for Seedlings

Make your own Mini Greenhouses – DIY for Seedlings

June 3, 2014 by LauraH 60 Comments

Make your own Mini Greenhouses www.lauraslittlehousetips.com

Make your own Mini Greenhouses – DIY for Seedlings

Every year I start planting my seeds very early in the house. I live on a mountain on the VA/NC border near the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is so windy here off the mountain that I needed my plants to be super sturdy before planting outside. I moved here in 2010 and its been a huge adjustment for this Yankee NY Girl to say the least. One thing that I really dislike is that people here don’t seem to recycle anything. In New York we paid deposits on bottles and returned them to the stores. Here the only place that takes them is the school at certain times of the year when they are fund-raising and even then they only accept aluminum cans (and then sell them), but  not plastic bottles.

Being a huge Green Living Lover I found a way to reuse our bottles. I have also stopped buying soda since it produces so much waste and I want our world to be around for generations to come :).

I make my own Mini Greenhouses with our bottles. These are so easy to make and work extremely well. I also love that after we plant in the garden I can use the top of the soda bottle to protect them from the wind. Or in the extreme case like this year we had frost pretty late into the spring so it kept our little starters warm and alive 🙂

As you can see above in the picture I use every part of the bottles. I even leave the lids on causing the bottles to act as enclosed green houses. I can also water them easily without the seedlings being exposed to cooler air. Don’t laugh but I also make my seed holder cups out of toilet paper rolls. I find that they break down pretty easy. I used bubble wrap that comes in packages that are delivered. I reuse that many times since I don’t want that in the landfill either and it makes a really nice insulator to hold my plants.

The very bottom that I cut off first I use to start seedlings. Many seeds I soak in the cup until they just start to sprout then move to the homemade greenhouses.You can also put dirt in the little cups and use that to root plants. It’s really just a matter of what you prefer. I also found a deal a few years ago on clearance for the Burpee Plant Markers and stocked up on them. You will want to label what seeds you have. It’s easy to get confused or just plain forget what you planted and where. Trust me I know from experience. One year I wrote on the cardboard holder and the marker I used bled. Not fun trust me lol 🙂  You could write on the plastic with a magic marker anything to keep yourself organized. I also put the date I planted.  I do grow certain plants year round in my home. I love having carrots, radishes, hot cayenne peppers and scallions all the time year round so I use my greenhouses year round. ( I know I am a bit left of center) haha.

The other thing I do with the bottoms is use them for sprouting. I am a huge sprouts lover and have found the bottoms work beautifully for my broccoli sprouts and mung bean sprouts and my latest obsessions, Adzuki Bean sprouts and Chia Seeds. But that is for a different post.

NOTE: Use gloves, Sturdy ones and be careful when cutting the bottom off the bottle. It can shift on you. So use caution!

My girls are grown but I bet if you have little ones they would love to help with these. I know I sometimes will plant a few green beans because they grow so fast and are fun to watch in the green house. Yes. Small things amuse me.

I hope you try this and I would love to hear what you thought and how it worked out for you. Til Next time…

Make Your Own Mini #Greenhouses. #Recycle

Click To Tweet

Laura Signature

 

 

https://www.instagram.com/laurahinckley/

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print
  • Instagram
  • Pocket
  • Yummly

Related

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Bottles, Bubble Wrap, DIY, Gardening, Greenhouse, Make your own Mini Greenhouses - DIY for Seedlings, Mini Greenhouse, Plant Markers, Plant Starter, Plants, Plastic Bottles, Recycle, Reuse, Seed, Seeds, Soil, Toliet Paper Roll

« Healthy Energy Bites Recipe
Homemade Sourdough Tortillas Recipe »

Comments

  1. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    June 3, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    I think that is such a cool idea. I never would have thought to do that, but I think I am going to give it a go 🙂
    Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…The Newport Cliff Walk – Newport, RI

    Log in to Reply
    • Playne Jayne says

      June 3, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      I agree Robin… I’m going to try it too next year. I’d told Laura my challenge is my seedlings hardening off… they are always so spindly. I think this would be a solution!

      Log in to Reply
  2. Daisy says

    June 3, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    What a fun idea! I need to try this with my son.

    Log in to Reply
    • Playne Jayne says

      June 3, 2014 at 4:02 pm

      Cool, Daisy! Please be sure and stop back by – let us know if you do! Kids have a great way about them – having fun with projects and even personalizing them… we’d love to hear what you all come up with!

      Log in to Reply
  3. Angela S says

    June 3, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    This is such a fun summer project and a great use of an everyday throw away!

    Log in to Reply
    • Playne Jayne says

      June 3, 2014 at 4:03 pm

      I agree Angela! Thanks for stopping by!

      Log in to Reply
  4. Ellen Christian says

    June 3, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    What a great idea. Upcycling is the best!
    Ellen Christian recently posted…Updating Our Style with Sauder Woodworking Co.

    Log in to Reply
  5. Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says

    June 3, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    This is so cool, my daughters will make this soon. They will love it. 😀

    Log in to Reply
  6. Jen Temcio @dapperhouse says

    June 3, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    HOW FUN! and practical too. I love your ideas and cant wait to use them to grow some yummy sprouts!

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:29 am

      I’d love to hear how they come out Jen. I love mine, its hard to make a sandwich without them on it now lol 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  7. Emily says

    June 3, 2014 at 6:11 pm

    I love the eco-friendly factor here!! Very cool!
    Emily recently posted…Spring & Summer Toddler Fashion Essentials for Boys!

    Log in to Reply
  8. Becca @ Mama B says

    June 3, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    I’m pretty sure I tried this one time for a science fair project. So fun!
    Becca @ Mama B recently posted…5 Tips to Surviving Allergy Season with Angel Soft

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:28 am

      Oh I hope you did. Trust me its still fun today and I’m in my umm 50’s LOL

      Log in to Reply
  9. Pam says

    June 3, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    Wow, this is so simple! I need to do make some of these.

    Log in to Reply
  10. Ann Bacciaglia says

    June 3, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    What a great idea. Thank you for sharing. I would love to try this.

    Log in to Reply
  11. Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says

    June 3, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    I don’t have a lot of space for a greenhouse but would love one. This is the perfect solution, thanks!
    Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Kids Guide to Beaches Resorts Turks and Caicos

    Log in to Reply
  12. Shauna says

    June 3, 2014 at 8:48 pm

    These are so cute and super-easy to make… Would be a fun thing to do with the kids this Summer. Thanks for sharing.

    Log in to Reply
  13. Elizabeth @Being MVP says

    June 3, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    What a neat idea!
    Elizabeth @Being MVP recently posted…PicturesOnGold.com Father’s Day Contest

    Log in to Reply
  14. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    June 3, 2014 at 9:07 pm

    What a wonderful idea especially for someone like me that does not have the roll for a full size greenhouse!
    Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Baby Playing Ball (Almost) Wordless Wednesday With Linky

    Log in to Reply
  15. Amanda A says

    June 3, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    what a great idea! I love that you used the bottles to help the plants grow. I am passing this idea onto my daughter’s teachers!
    Amanda A recently posted…Our Week in Pics (week 114 & 115)

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:27 am

      Thank you so much Amanda. This would be a great project for school 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  16. CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie says

    June 3, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    What a fun idea.. I soo have to give this a try, maybe I will have a green thumb then, too… Love it… thanks for sharing
    CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie recently posted…Welcome Summer in Style with a fun Gourmet Pizza Party and enter a #SummerGetaway

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:27 am

      I know you can do it 🙂 It’s fun and that is half the battle. 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  17. Laurie - Steals and Deals for Kids says

    June 3, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    I would love to do a project like this with my students! Thanks for the tips and instructions!
    Laurie – Steals and Deals for Kids recently posted…Doll Clothes for American Girl Dolls: 4 Pc Peace to the World Outfit -(Includes Skirt, Sweatshirt, Leggings,and Sneakers) $12.95 {reg. $24.95}

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:26 am

      Oh Laurie I hope you do. It’s amazing when the seeds pop and having your own mini greenhouse is such a great way for kids to learn. Thank you for stopping by.

      Log in to Reply
  18. Autumn @MamaChallenge says

    June 3, 2014 at 10:12 pm

    I can kill anything, but this might be manageable.
    Autumn @MamaChallenge recently posted…Get Thee to the Golden Potty: Potty Training Tips for Success {Baby BJORN Giveaway}

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:25 am

      You would do great at this. I like you can water from the lid and never have to touch. It’s when I play with mine I run into trouble 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  19. Liz Mays says

    June 3, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    Love the fact this saves money and is upcycling. It’s also a great educational project!
    Liz Mays recently posted…Easy Party Planning #PartyBlooms

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:25 am

      Thank you Liz. It’s definitely a top used item in my home. I get such a rush when seeds pop through the soil haha. I Loved your elegance with the flowers too:)

      Log in to Reply
  20. Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens says

    June 3, 2014 at 11:20 pm

    How creative AND easy! I don’t have a yard or backyard to plant and I own cats, so no indoor plants … but perhaps one day!
    Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens recently posted…First Birthday Cupcakes with Raincoast Books

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 12:24 am

      I’m glad you stopped by Kristen. I really liked your First Birthday Cupcakes too:)

      Log in to Reply
  21. Sarah @ Must Have Mom says

    June 4, 2014 at 12:46 am

    I’ve done this before. Turned out great!
    Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted…5 Reasons To Join Me On Beamly

    Log in to Reply
    • Ann BAcciaglia says

      April 12, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      I really need to try this!
      Ann BAcciaglia recently posted…BConnected is Coming Back!

      Log in to Reply
  22. Janice says

    June 4, 2014 at 1:08 am

    That is such a great idea!
    Janice recently posted…Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Skewers (and Tofu Skewers)

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 1:15 am

      Thank you Janice. I hope it comes in handy at your house 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  23. kristin says

    June 4, 2014 at 1:30 am

    That’s such a great idea!!! The perfect way to get seeds started too!
    kristin recently posted…Silk Coconut Crusted Chicken Recipe

    Log in to Reply
  24. Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says

    June 4, 2014 at 2:20 am

    What a fantastic project to do for kids to help them learn all about gardening! I actually wouldn’t mind starting from the basics myself-I’m not much of a gardener and have a black thumb but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to try 😀
    Kayla @ TheEclecticElement recently posted…A Day at the Farmer’s Market: Beloit, WI

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 3:22 pm

      This is definitely a starter project that you WILL succeed at. Try it!!

      Log in to Reply
  25. Sandra says

    June 4, 2014 at 7:19 am

    This is such a great idea and would help me save $ next year on plants, thanks!

    Log in to Reply
  26. Amy Desrosiers says

    June 4, 2014 at 8:52 am

    I love this idea so much! My husband is out avid gardener around here so I will have to tell him!

    Log in to Reply
  27. brett says

    June 4, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    i found this pinned on pinterest and i love it. what a great way for kids to learn about repurposing things and growing food!
    brett recently posted…Pumpkin Recipe: Pumpkin Sauce and Meatball Recipe

    Log in to Reply
  28. Dawn says

    June 4, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    What a great idea. I would love to try this in my home.
    Dawn recently posted…Win A TWIX Bites And Fandango Prize Pack {US Ends 6/11} #sponsored #Twixbites

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 4, 2014 at 3:21 pm

      I hope you do Dawn. It’s so easy and your plants get the protection and love to grow happy and healthy.

      Log in to Reply
  29. StacieinAtlanta says

    June 4, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    What an awesome idea! My son love to grow things…this is perfect for him.
    StacieinAtlanta recently posted…Summer Packing List for Girls {PRINTABLE}

    Log in to Reply
  30. Vanessa @ Green Global Travel says

    June 22, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    This is a great idea to reuse plastic bottles and bubble wrap! I know what you mean about how people just don’t recycle. It’s starting to become more popular in parts of GA with the trash company also offering to take recycling, but if you don’t have this, sometimes there’s a public bin. Progress!
    Vanessa @ Green Global Travel recently posted…MALAYSIA: Bornean Orangutan Conservation at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

    Log in to Reply
    • LauraH says

      June 23, 2014 at 10:50 am

      Hi Vanessa,
      I’m glad you like the Mini Greenhouses. I use them all the time. I’m so glad that GA is starting to recycle too.The good news is they make us be creative to help our world the bad news is it needs to happen faster. I am so glad you stopped by 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  31. Jennifer says

    April 10, 2015 at 3:20 pm

    That’s awesome! I love tutorials like this. I can use a plastic bottle instead of paying for the “Super Seed Starter 1000” or whatever it is they try to sell me in the garden aisle. Thanks!
    Jennifer recently posted…Piña Colada Fruit Dip Recipe

    Log in to Reply
  32. Dawn says

    April 10, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    I love this idea so much. I was thinking about starting my garden from seed this year. Thanks so much!
    Dawn recently posted…Twist That Dish: Make Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie with Only 5 Ingredients

    Log in to Reply
  33. Kelly Hutchinson says

    April 10, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    This is absolutely a genius idea. I have been looking for a way to get our seedlings started.
    Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…My Journey Living With A Child With Sensory Processing Disorder

    Log in to Reply
  34. Amber Edwards says

    April 10, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    That is so cleaver and so simple! What a great idea! Especially since our weather is so fickle this time of year, a greenhouse effect is so needed for our seedlings.
    Amber Edwards recently posted…6 Bathtub Safety Tips for Babies & Kids

    Log in to Reply
  35. Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says

    April 10, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    That is a great DIY, it’d save you so much money. I bought a greenhouse kit a few years back and it was expensive and so flimsy.
    Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Crayola Virtual Products

    Log in to Reply
  36. Chrysa says

    April 10, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    What a neat idea! I’m planning to garden more this year, so I will have to try to start some seeds this way.
    Chrysa recently posted…French Toast Muffin Recipe + 5 Ways to Keep Your Morning Running Smoothly

    Log in to Reply
  37. Brett says

    April 10, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    Our weather has been so back and forth lately, this would be perfect to get started with! I bet the kids would have a fun time helping me plant too.

    Log in to Reply
  38. Aubrey says

    April 10, 2015 at 11:56 pm

    What a fun thing to do with the kids. I love to grow plants, it’s kind of fun.
    Aubrey recently posted…Weekly Calendar Planner Printable

    Log in to Reply
  39. Meagan says

    April 11, 2015 at 12:32 am

    What a great idea! We don’t have space for a garden, so this would be perfect! Love the idea of a mini little greenhouse!
    Meagan recently posted…Weekly Calendar Planner Printable

    Log in to Reply
  40. LauraOinAK says

    April 11, 2015 at 1:18 am

    What an awesome idea which lets you repurpose what would otherwise end up in the trash! I might try it with my boys for some fast growing items.
    LauraOinAK recently posted…Starting My Day or Finding Time for Me with McCafé Coffee

    Log in to Reply
  41. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    April 11, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    What a great idea. I should do this with my kids as a homeschooling experiment.

    Log in to Reply
  42. Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says

    April 12, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    I love this upcycling idea! I am going to try this with our seedlings this week!
    Chelley @ AisForAdelaide recently posted…The Weather, #52WeeksA4A

    Log in to Reply
  43. Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says

    April 13, 2015 at 10:36 am

    I absolutely love this idea. We will have to do this on the weekend.

    Log in to Reply
  44. Sarah @ Must Have Mom says

    April 15, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    This is an awesome idea! Looks like the perfect summer project to do with the kiddos.
    Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted…Win A Year Supply Of HUGGIES® Natural Care® wipes!

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi! I’m Laura and this is my adventure of bringing the past and future together.... Read More…

Follow Us:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
logo
Food Advertisements by

Connect with us on Facebook!

Connect with us on Facebook!

Top Posts & Pages

7 Tips that make you say "Why didn't I think of that??
Sourdough Parmesan Garlic Cracker Recipe
15 Minute Key Lime Trifle
Tips For Keeping Livestock Water and Watering Systems Clean
DIY-Amish Folded Star Quilted Hot Pad/ Pot Holder Video Tutorial
About Me
Fermented Chicken Feed - How To, And Why You Want To
Crock Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Tweets by @littlehousetips
logo
Food Advertisements by
Yum
myTaste.com
Mom It Forward: Blogger Network
USFamilyGuide.com

Visit BlogPaws Community

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.