Would you like to create a mini greenhouse DIY as an indoor or outdoor project through upcycling? Discover some sustainable ideas and practical tips for construction here!
If your garden area is small or space in your home is limited, there is an option to create small-scale greenhouses. Not only can old materials be reused, but the living or garden area can also be decorated in a practical and inexpensive way. Regardless of whether you are keeping sensitive plant species in it or growing seedlings for vegetable cultivation, such a greenhouse can always be useful. Additionally, building such a structure can be a straightforward and satisfying project for any home gardener. Here are some inspiring examples and simple steps you can follow to implement such ideas yourself.
What to consider before creating a mini greenhouse DIY?
The main purpose of a greenhouse is toprefer certain plants, to extend their growing season or to overwinter cold-sensitive species. When it comes to self-made and space-saving versions, they can also serve decorative purposes and of course spice up any room. However, before you start, it is important to know where and how you will use the compact greenhouses. Therefore, please note the following information before construction:
- First decide which plant species you want to keep in it and which location would be best suited for it.
- Depending on whether you are growing herbs, fruits, vegetables or flowers, you should also consider the height as different plant growth occurs. This means you can start growing plants even in winter to enjoy your own fresh production.
- Also, consider the needs of each type of plant, regardless of where it is grown. In this regard, you should also choose the right soil and suitable fertilizers.
- When it comes to choosing materials, there are numerous options you can use to build a DIY mini greenhouse. Just make sure they are weatherproof if using outdoors.
- Also choose suitable containers such as seed trays that have drainage holes to prevent plant diseases and fungal infestation caused by waterlogging.
- Depending on whether you use grow lights or natural light, you should provide your future plants with the appropriate lighting conditions. However, lighting with daylight is of course the simpler and cheaper option. Only install artificial lights if your plants cannot grow properly due to insufficient sunlight.
- Although these are small-sized greenhouses, it is recommended that you use a thermometer to monitor the indoor temperature and humidity.
- Also check the condition of your plants regularly and look out for signs of drying out or other symptoms. You will find some tips below.
What should you pay attention to when growing plants in a greenhouse?
The main advantage of a greenhouse is that you can also use it to grow exotic plant species. However, each of them has its own preferences, which must also be taken into account when implementing such a project. So that your plants insuch stations for cultivationTo thrive healthily, you should pay attention to the following details regarding plant care:
- Before building a greenhouse, make sure that the plants growing in it have the same or at least similar needs.
- Maintain an optimal temperature and humidity indoors to prevent mold formation and rot, or root rot. Make sure you water moderately and don't let your plants die of thirst.
- As already written above, lighting is a crucial factor when it comes to healthy plant growth. Too little or too much sunshine, as well as weak or strong grow lights, can cause damage. As far as possible symptoms of a lack of light are concerned, you should pay particular attention to yellowed or dried plant leaves and stems.
- It is advisable to harden off the seedlings before growing in the garden by placing them outside or next to open windows for short periods every few days. This means they get used to the outdoor conditions more quickly.
After you have taken all the precautions, you can choose the best possible option using the following sample instructions and other ideas.
Follow simple steps and make a mini greenhouse DIY
Typically, it is relatively easy to assemble such a structure from reused materials such as old wooden window frames or display cabinets. Once you have found a suitable location for it, you can also decide on the appropriate design. It is best to choose transparent plastic containers with clear lids to allow sunlight to penetrate and create a greenhouse effect. Depending on the purpose, you can store small and individual potted plants, seedlings or seed trays in it. Otherwise, you may need seed mix, substrate, potting soil, garden tools, spray bottle and watering can, and optionally fans to ventilate the interior. Then follow these steps to make a simple version depending on the situation and preference:
- Create a simple wooden frame from boards or use old window frames or a display case that is sized to suit your needs.
- After deciding on the appropriate design and creating the structure, you can install artificial lighting if necessary. Plants grow faster with fans, although you could also add ventilation holes to the containers instead.
- You can maintain humidity in the greenhouse by adding a humidifier or a tray of water under the containers.
- Since your DIY mini greenhouse would also serve a decorative function, you can add such elements. For example, you can also replace the back of the display case with decorative panels or paint the frame if desired.
- Arrange the desired propagation boxes or pots and then monitor the room conditions to keep the plants healthy.
- Make sure your compact greenhouse is in the right place, whether on a sunny living room windowsill or in a sheltered outdoor area.
Almost anything transparent can work, from upside-down plastic cups to storage containers to glass boxes and small windows. Otherwise, you can take a look at the following examples for more inspiration.
Consider other sustainable and inspiring ideas
As you can see, building a small greenhouse doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive or complicated affair. With a little expertise and creativity, you can use sustainable upcycling to create compact boxes in which you can store valuable plants. For example, you can use old items such as wooden boxes, glass panes, plastic containers and anything else that seems suitable to you. Here are some more mini greenhouse DIY suggestions that you can use to get inspiration for your next project.
- For example, you can decorate your windowsill with an old wooden and glass lantern as a compact space for growing young plants. Instead of candles, small plants can easily grow in them because the materials create a favorable microenvironment for the plants. If necessary, you can add a small grow light to accelerate plant growth. A composition of several lanterns with plants could be even more impressive as a centerpiece or on windowsills.
- When it comes to outdoor areas, clear umbrellas can act as a kind of domes in the garden floor or on raised beds and planters. This would be a smart and cheap solution for cold-sensitive flowers or garden plants before the spring season. This means you can transform garden beds or pots into greenhouses in no time.
- As already written above, you can easily convert a display cabinet in your living room and grow plants in it. By the way, some inexpensive versions include such pieces of furniture from IKEA. It is also important to ensure the necessary air circulation and lighting conditions in the interior with additional fans or lighting.
- Another excellent option is small glazed window frames with handles that you can easily open and close depending on the conditions. This variant is also suitable as a cold frame in the garden and can be quickly created with a frame structure.
Last but not least, even the door of a broken washing machine can be turned into a greenhouse. Use the glass dome over seeds or plants to create the greenhouse effect.
