Simple & Easy Mini Greenhouse DIY

In this instructable I will be showing you how to create really simple mini greenhouses. These can be used indoors and outdoors. At the end of the instructable, you will also find an explanation of the science behind greenhouses. Hope you enjoy it, and learn something!

• 2-3 plastic clear water bottles/juice containers
• Scissors (or any cutting tool of your choice.
• Soil (Type soil depends on what you are planting)
• Plastic Wrap
• Marker (optional)

All of the materials can be used in a less or more quantity. This is just how “big” I want my greenhouse to be, and the measurements regarding it. If you do change measurements, don’t worry the steps are still the same, and very simple!

Take your water bottles, and some scissors (or any cutting tool). Using the scissors cut the top and 1 side of the bottle. Use a marker if wanted, to copy the guidelines in the images above. The pictures above for this step will be really helpful. In the end you should use the biggest piece as your "greenhouse".

Take your “prepared” water bottles and add soil to the bottom. Fill with soil almost to the top, more specifically leave about 1-2 inches unfilled. Remember what soil depends on the seed/plant you are planting.

This step is pretty self explanatory, just add your seed/plant! Remember how you do this step depends on what you are planting.

Before we move onto the next step, add how much water your plant/seed needs. If you are using a plant, be sure to add a little water to the plastic wrap (see next step for more details).

Take your plastic wrap and use it to cover all uncovered places. Add some water to the plastic wrapping if needed (as mentioned in step 5).

Now you have a mini greenhouse. Put this greenhouse outside in sunlight, and watch your plants grow! Remember to water, and do everything that your plant/seed needs to survive.

The Science Behind Greenhouses

Greenhouses work by converting light energy into heat energy. Light rays from the sun enter the greenhouse, where the light energy is absorbed by plants/objects. The plants/objects then convert the absorbed light energy into heat. Greenhouses have itmes that release the heat energy, but the heat tends to get trapped. The heat is trapped in the small space of the greenhouse which is by the glass (or plastic sheeting). The objects/plants that did absorb the energy tend to release it really slowly. It takes the objects quite some while to cool down, and when they do, they slowly release the heat energy back into the air. The warmer air is lighter, which allows it to rise to the roof of the greenhouse. When the warm air gets to the roof surface, it doesn’t really have anywhere else to go. The cooler air then falls back onto the plants/objects, where it absorbs the warmth. Many greenhouses have ventilation systems to help with controlling the temperature to fit the needs of the plants too. So as that happens the greenhouse becomes more reliable, then just “depending” on the “heat energy”. Although that is an option, it certainly depends on the weather.