Alexei Volkov
Plastic bottle greenhouses are an easy, cheap, and environmentally-friendly way to grow plants. They are a great project for kids and adults alike, and can be made from simple materials found in your recycling bin. The clear plastic walls allow sunlight to enter and warm up the air inside, creating an optimal environment for growing young or out-of-season plants. In this article, we will explore different ways to make a greenhouse from a plastic container, including using plastic bottles, plastic bags, and plastic storage containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Clear plastic containers with lids, plastic bags, plastic bottles, wire, U-shaped nails or staples, scissors, brick or wood, plastic wrap, rubber band, drill, cardboard dividers, wood sticks, spray bottle, seedling cups, potting soil, seeds |
| Preparation | Wash and dry the plastic container, remove labels, cut off the bottom of the bottle, add drain holes, fill with soil, poke holes for seeds, cover with plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, place lid on top, ensure good airflow, check daily for mold, cut back on watering if seedlings are excessively wet, bring inside at night, place in an area with abundant natural light or bright sunlight, keep soil moist |
| Benefits | Cheap, easy, portable, environmentally-friendly, reusable, insulating, self-watering, lengthens the growing season, teaches children about plant life cycles |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a plastic container
When making a greenhouse from a plastic container, it's important to choose the right type of container to ensure the success of your project. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a plastic container for your greenhouse:
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the plastic container will depend on the space you have available and the number of plants you plan to grow. Larger containers, such as salad containers or storage totes, can accommodate multiple seeds or seedlings, maximizing space. Smaller containers, like plastic bottles or clamshell containers, are ideal for individual seeds or small plants. Consider the growth of your plants and choose a container that will provide sufficient room for their roots to expand.
Material and Transparency
Clear plastic containers are preferable as they allow more sunlight to reach the plants. Transparent walls are essential in a greenhouse as they trap sunlight and create a warmer environment, aiding plant growth. While the lid of your container can be clear, coloured, or opaque, it's important to ensure that the container itself is transparent.
Drainage and Ventilation
Choose a container that facilitates proper drainage and ventilation. Containers with lids may require additional ventilation methods, such as propping the lid open with a brick or block of wood to allow airflow and prevent overheating. Containers with drainage holes at the bottom can easily drain excess water, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy root growth.
Reuse and Recyclability
Consider using recyclable or reusable plastic containers to reduce waste. This project is an excellent opportunity to repurpose plastic items that you may already have around your house, such as plastic bags, bottles, or food containers. Not only will this save you money, but it also helps to reduce your environmental impact.
Durability
Select a container that is durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions, especially if you plan to keep your greenhouse outside. Plastic bottles, for example, stand up well under direct sunlight but will degrade over time. Choose a container that can handle varying weather conditions and consider the potential need for replacement or repairs.
Remember to clean and dry your chosen plastic container before beginning the construction of your greenhouse. This will ensure that your greenhouse is free from any contaminants that could affect the health of your plants.
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Preparing the container
To prepare a plastic container for use as a greenhouse, you will first need to source a suitable container. Clear plastic containers with lids, such as salad containers, are ideal. You can also use plastic bottles, such as 2-litre bottles, or plastic bags.
Once you have your container, you will need to clean it and remove any labels. This will let more natural sunlight into the greenhouse. If you are using a plastic bottle, you will also need to remove the lid and cut off the bottom of the bottle. You can use scissors or an X-acto knife for this. If your container has an opaque or coloured lid, you can make the lid the base of your greenhouse by flipping the container over.
If you are using a larger container, you will need to add some drain holes to the bottom to allow for water drainage. Carefully use a drill to make holes in the bottom of the container. If you are using a plastic bottle, you can cut some drain holes in the bottom using a knife.
If you are using smaller containers, such as plastic cups, fill them about three-quarters of the way with clean potting soil. If you are using a larger container, you can fill it about two-thirds full of soil.
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Adding soil and seeds
Once you have your plastic container greenhouse, you can start adding soil and seeds. It is important to use the right potting mix, so opt for a high-quality seed-starting mix that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Avoid using garden soil as it can be heavy and prone to diseases. You can find bags of seed-starting mix at your local nursery or online.
Before adding seeds, fill your clean seed trays or pots with the seed-starting mix, leaving some space at the top for watering. If you are using leftover seeds from the previous year, test them for germination first. Place the desired number of seeds on a moistened paper towel, fold it over the seeds, and put the paper in a plastic bag in a warm place. Inspect the seeds twice a day, spraying with water as needed to maintain moisture.
Now, you can start planting your seeds. Follow the seed packet directions for the depth and number of seeds per pot. Generally, seeds should be planted at a depth ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 inch, with two to three seeds per pot. After planting the seeds, cover them with soil and mist with water. Place the pots or trays in a warm, brightly lit location. You can also use an electric heating mat to regulate the soil temperature.
To promote growth, it is important to maintain a warm and comfortable environment in your plastic container greenhouse. Keep the greenhouse in a sheltered location with southern or southeastern exposure to maximize sunlight. Additionally, ensure good airflow by propping open the lid with a brick or block of wood. This will prevent the plants from getting too hot and will reduce the risk of an overly damp environment, which can lead to mould and fungal diseases.
Regularly check your greenhouse conditions to avoid overwatering or underwatering. The soil should be slightly damp but not waterlogged. Water early in the morning or late in the day to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly. With proper care and maintenance, your seeds will grow into sturdy seedlings, ready to be transplanted into your garden.
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Watering and positioning
Watering your plastic container greenhouse is a straightforward process. If you're using a plastic bag as a mini-greenhouse, seal it tightly around the container to retain moisture. For plastic containers with lids, ensure the lid is on securely. You can also cover the top of the container with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band before putting the lid on. This will help retain moisture, and the drips of water that collect will keep the soil moist and water your plants.
When using a plastic container with a lid, drill holes through both the container and the lid at the same time. This will allow for drainage and easy watering without removing the lid. If you're using a plastic bottle, cut off the bottom and use the top half to create a greenhouse effect by placing it over your planter base. In this case, the drainage holes will be at the bottom of your planter base rather than the plastic container itself.
If you're using a plastic tote, fill it about three-quarters full with clean potting soil. Plant your seeds according to the packet instructions and water just enough to moisten the soil. A spray bottle for misting works well for this. Close the lid and place your mini greenhouse in an area that receives bright sunlight. You can use it inside or outside, depending on the weather. If the soil dries out, add only enough water to keep it moist.
As for positioning, it's important to place your plastic container greenhouse in an area that receives an abundance of natural light, either inside or outside your home. Ideally, you should place it in a sheltered location with southern or southeastern exposure, but if your garden doesn't get much sun, you can easily move your mini greenhouse to follow the sun throughout the day. Remember not to place your greenhouse in direct sunlight, as this can burn your plants. Good air flow is crucial, so ensure you prop open the lid with a brick or block of wood during the day to allow air to circulate and prevent excessive heat.
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Greenhouse maintenance
A plastic container greenhouse is a cheap and easy way to get your seeds sprouting. However, it does require some maintenance to ensure your plants stay healthy. Firstly, it is important to note that greenhouses provide perfect conditions for pests to thrive, so be sure to check your plants daily for signs of disease. Remove any dead leaves and check for pests, treating them if necessary.
If you are using a plastic bag to cover your plants, ensure the plants are moist but not soggy. Water a couple of days before enclosing them in plastic and give excess water time to evaporate or drain out of the container. Plastic intensifies the sun's rays, so be sure to place your container in a shady spot. Remove the bag early the next day, especially if the sun is shining, and allow the plants to get some air circulation to avoid damping off.
If you are using a plastic container with a lid, ensure there is good airflow to prevent plants from getting too hot. Lift the lid and prop it open with a brick or block of wood. Cut back on watering if your seedlings are excessively wet.
At the end of the season, it is important to clean your greenhouse to ensure any crops entering the next year have a better chance of survival. Remove all plant matter, rake or sweep out any debris, and treat the exposed area with diatomaceous earth. Disinfect irrigation and holding tanks, which can host thousands of gnats, a threat to small roots.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need approximately 1400 empty 2-litre (40-ounce) plastic bottles to build a greenhouse that is 8' x 6'. You can collect bottles from neighbours, friends, hotels, bars, and restaurants if you don't have enough.
First, wash and remove the labels from the bottles. Then, cut off the bottom of each bottle. You can use scissors or an X-acto knife to do this. Plan your sizing, and fix four posts into the ground to serve as the framework.
Stack the bottles on a cane or wire, with the top of one bottle interlocking with the one above it. You can leave the lids on the bottles to prevent insects from entering. Secure the structure with U-shaped nails or staples.
