How to Make a Mini Greenhouse From Recycled Materials – Recycled materials are perfect for creating a mini greenhouse. Toilet paper rolls and old windows can be used as greenhouse structures.
If you want drainage holes in your greenhouse, you can cut toilet paper rolls to fit the size of the container. Old windows and toilet paper rolls can be stacked in the greenhouse to give you a more spacious growing space.
You can also use plastic containers for making mini greenhouses. Read on to learn how to make a mini greenhouse from recycled materials.
Plastic bottles
Recycling plastic bottles is a great way to create a mini greenhouse. You’ll need at least 1400 bottles and a medium (such as a long stick or bamboo cane) to help build the greenhouse.
You’ll also need frames to support the plastic bottles, which can be made from recycled wood, metal pipes, or wires.
After the greenhouse is constructed, you’ll want to clean it up and stack it for next year.
To create a framework, use treated 2″ x 2″ lumber with mitered corners. You can also use fence-stapling wire to attach the bottles.
For the sides of the greenhouse, use thin plastic sheets or a single sheet of clear plastic. Make sure the material is thin enough to pass through the openings of the plastic bottles.
The top can be made from a wider plastic bottle.
Once you’ve gathered enough plastic bottles, you’re ready to build your mini greenhouse. Make sure to use labels on your bottles, as they may contain toxic substances.
Choose PET bottles if they are safe to handle by humans, as they are approved for beverages globally. Use a shorter side wall, a 6′ wall, and a single door.
Then, use a vertical beam to connect two posts. Use a vertical beam between the frames and use three-foot-wide frames to hold the plastic bottles in place.
A mini greenhouse made of recycled plastic bottles is a great way to help save the environment by using less-than-sustainable materials.
Plastic bottles make an excellent greenhouse because they can be recycled and they’re cheap. You can collect enough bottles to build a greenhouse for your needs and for the planet.
You should also consider that the greenhouse is not airtight, so rainwater can easily enter the greenhouse. The greenhouse will remain 10 degrees warmer than the outdoors.
Old windows
For a hobby greenhouse, you can use recycled windows in the walls and roof. Ideally, you’ll use a wood-framed greenhouse, as long as it’s in decent shape.
You can easily find lumber that fits greenhouse sizes at construction or salvage yards. Alternatively, you can adapt a design to fit different-sized windows.
Then, plant your favorite plants! After your new greenhouse has grown, you can move on to the next project: transforming the space into a mini greenhouse.
Once you’ve collected the window pieces, you can build the structure. First, plan out your greenhouse’s walls, preferably using the same size and material as your old windows.
The easiest type of greenhouse frame is made of wood or aluminum. Once you’ve picked the type of greenhouse frame, you can then use it to assemble the structure.
You can use the same technique to make a mini greenhouse.
Another option for building a mini greenhouse is to recycle salvaged items. CD cases make a nice cold frame, as do old windows. Meg’s DIY tutorial has lots of details.
You can also reuse old windows in a cold frame, as Anne does. The box shape makes it easy to construct, but make sure to test the windows for lead before using them! If you plan to use them as greenhouse walls, make sure to wear protective gear while working with antiques.
After you’ve collected the pieces for your greenhouse, you can attach the windows to the box. After you’ve done this, you should add angled pieces to each end. You should also add the hinges on the back window.
If you can’t find hinges, you can also use antique door handles and attach them to the box. Once the windows are secure and the box is complete, add the fourth window and hinges.
Stacking crates
Stacking crates make a great base for mini-greenhouses. You can buy a commercial kit or build a greenhouse from recycled materials by following the instructions in a manual.
A bamboo greenhouse kit is also a great option for beginners because it comes with all the pieces pre-cut and is incredibly easy to assemble. It also has detailed step-by-step instructions and even lumbers measurements for beginners.
This greenhouse has soft plastic walls, but you could always upgrade them too hard poly sheets to provide better insulation. The greenhouse has a vent line along the top ridgeline, which allows heat to escape while keeping the inside temperature moderate.
The framework of the greenhouse is sturdy, ensuring that it lasts for years to come. Once complete, the greenhouse can be placed in the garden, and enjoy the fruits and vegetables growing inside.
Once you have built your mini greenhouse, you can add a lid by using glass offcuts, redundant window panes, or a sheet of clear acrylic. You can also use Flexi plastic or polythene sheeting from packaging.
If you want to decorate the lid of the greenhouse, you can use a Victorian-style cloche or a picture frame. Make sure you include ventilation to keep the air moving, as this will reduce moisture and algae.
The next step in the process is to construct a wooden frame and wrap poly sheeting tightly. The main goal of this greenhouse is to provide a large amount of space for your plants, while still keeping the greenhouse stylish.
It should be sturdy enough to withstand the elements, but it should be strong enough to withstand the chilling effect of the winter weather. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to add a heating system for extra stability.
Collapsible greenhouse covers
If you want to save money, you can make your own greenhouse from recycled materials. You will need pipes and a raised bed.
Attach the greenhouse to the bed with a conduit anchor. Make sure to attach the greenhouse only on one long side, so that you can lift it up and access the plants inside.
Once the greenhouse is in place, you can start constructing the cover. Choose plastic or cloth, but it is best to use thin, clear plastic. For the cover, use one large sheet and wrap it with duct tape.
You will also need six frames that are at least 11 inches in height. These will form the main structure of the greenhouse.
Then, you will attach the roof using utility hinges. You can also use glue sticks to attach the glass panes. Once you have assembled your greenhouse, you can start planting seeds and growing flowers! You can easily water plants in your mini greenhouse.
This project will save you a ton of money in the long run!
Another useful resource for constructing your greenhouse is old windows. You can make a mini greenhouse from old windows by removing the glass and molding it.
You can also reuse plastic containers for the window. Just make sure to find ones with drainage holes and secure them with a screw. If you’re having trouble finding containers, you can also use plastic fruit crates.
They make great DIY mini greenhouses! So, if you want to make a greenhouse where you can plant anything you like, this is a great way to create a mini greenhouse!
Another way to make a mini greenhouse from recycled materials is to use large bottles. You can reuse them as terrariums without the drainage system. Moreover, you can flip them upside down to form a mini greenhouse.
Then, you need a lid. Plastic wrap or a wooden frame will do. You can purchase the bottles at your local store or online sources. The second source of recycled plastic bottles is thrift stores.
Ventilation
Recycled CD cases can be used for walls and roofs of a mini greenhouse. The lid can also be used to form the peak of the wall. Then, use a box knife to cut out the vents. For added character, you can use printed shower curtains.
Plastic stacking crates are inexpensive and easy to use for a mini greenhouse. They can be easily stacked and have snap-on lids.
Plastic bottles can be cut to size and punched with tiny air holes to improve ventilation. Old screw lids can also be removed for extra ventilation. For an even lower-tech solution, you can use acrylic or glass lids of cold frames. Just remember to shut them during cold spells.
For a DIY mini greenhouse, you can even use wooden fruit crates. Using old plastic bottles for the frame’s lid allows for plenty of airflows, while the fruit crates also help with condensation.
Another DIY mini greenhouse can be built with a large window. To construct a mini greenhouse, simply cut glass shelves from the window frame and mold them into shelf supports. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced.
Then, place the molding in place against the window frame and use an electric drill bit to drill a starter hole in the center. Once the glass shelves are attached to the window frame, you can place your plant pots inside.
Related: Olive Tree Garden Ideas
The plastic bottles that are used in mini greenhouses can be easily installed and are cheap to make. For a more sophisticated mini greenhouse, you can even use a CD spindle case.
Simply cut off the center column of the CD, patch it with tape, and drill holes in the case for ventilation. After that, simply add compost, seeds, and water and you’re ready to go. And don’t forget about ventilation!***
