A small indoor greenhouse is perfect for starting bedding plants, healing a plant or as an indoor winter project for children. Such a project encourages an interest in nature and gardening for children.
One of the easiest small greenhouses is created by using a 2 or 3 liter clear pop bottle and cutting the top off about 3 inches from the bottom. Full instructions for a pop bottle greenhouse can be found here: Pop Bottle Greenhouse
Creating a small Indoor Greenhouse
For a larger mini indoor greenhouse you can use an aquarium. Start by cutting a sheet of 1/4-inch-thick, clear plastic, so it is slightly bigger than the top of the aquarium. A tabletop or circular saw can be used to cut the plastic to the proper size. You can also measure the aquarium and buy a piece of Plexi-glass at a local lumber store. I ask for the seconds or left over pieces to get a better price.
Next drill three rows of three 1/4-inch holes in the top of the plastic sheet. You will want to space the holes 1 inch apart and center the rows in the middle of the plastic sheet. This is for ventilation.
Set a seed starting flat in the bottom of a 10 or 20-gallon aquarium. (I buy my used aquariums at an auction house or garage sale. You can either fill the flat with potting soil and sow seeds directly in it or set plant pots inside the flat. I usually set pots in the flat. I have more control over moving plants if they are individually planted in pots.
You will want to place a thermometer inside the aquarium. Choose the thermometers location by checking to see hoe easy it is to view through the glass. Set the plastic cover on top of the aquarium and place it in a brightly lit window or under a grow-light fixture. You now have a controlled climate that is perfect for starting seeds.
You may want to use grow lights for 12 to 14 hours a day, if there is no sunlight available for your greenhouse. My downstairs kitchen has a large window that has available light all day long. If the day is cloudy I might choose add additional lighting. You can tell if you need more lighting if your plants are getting tall and skinny.
Note: Watch your thermometer and remove the top of the greenhouse if the temperature inside climbs above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds may die if the heat is too warm. Replace the cover when temperatures drop below 80 F. This is a general rule for most seedlings. There are some plants that prefer a cooler starting temperature. To determine the proper temperature, do a little research on the seeds you are starting.
Water the soil in the flat inside the greenhouse when the condensation inside the glass begins to decline. Water from underneath. I use a tray and set the plants in that and them drain. You develop better roots from under-watering and have less soil disease problems.
Don’t over water your plants. Check the condensation and use that as a guide.
Small plastic aquariums make suitable greenhouses for single plants. I often use a small greenhouse like this for sick plants.
The plants you start in your small indoor greenhouse can be used to beautify your backyard gardens and patio areas. And if your children participate they will be able to enjoy the plants during the summer.
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