Repurpose a Coffee Container as a Mini Greenhouse

Around here, we are trying to cut expenses and pay off our nasty debt…which means very little cash for things that aren’t absolutely necessary.  It might sound dull going without, but actually, it transforms your mindset into a resourceful one.  I’m always thinking, “How could I achieve that same result with what we already have, without buying anything additional?”  It brings to mind one of my favorite sayings – “Do what you can with what you have.”

So when it came time to start my seedlings this spring, I approached it with the same thrifty attitude.  I managed to provide my own pots and greenhouse covers for free by repurposing things we had around the house.  I only put money into some cheap seeds and potting soil.  Not bad!

A few months ago I came up with the idea of reusing these plastic instant coffee bottles.  I’m glad I did, because I was able to plan ahead and save several of them.  They are just perfect because the lid not only screws off, but it also hinges! The perfect mini greenhouse! See what I mean…

If you don’t have plastic bottles with this kind of cap you can achieve this same effect with a milk jug or a similar container. Simply cut the jug horizontally across the middle on 3 sides, so it can hinge on the uncut side.

Let’s get started!

1. Rinse out the bottle.
2. Peel off any labels so the sun can better shine on your seeds.
   1. If they are stubborn labels with lots of adhesive, soak the bottle in soapy water overnight. The labels will be easy to rub off. Use vegetable oil to remove any really stubborn adhesive, clean up with soapy water.
3. Drill a hole in the bottom of your plastic bottle so the water can drain out.
   1. Alternative method: hammer and nail!
4. If you’re using a milk jug, make your cut around the center so it hinges open.
5. Add potting soil at least 3 inches deep.
6. Water the soil until it’s soaked.
7. Plant your seeds according to the package directions.
   1. Pay attention to how deep the seeds should be sown.
   2. Pay attention to how far apart seeds should be from each other. Sometimes I don’t properly space them until I transplant the seedlings to their permanent home.
8. Put the bottle in a window (or outside after last frost) according to how much sun they need -full shade, part shade, part sun, or full sun. Oh, you didn’t know there was a difference between part shade and part sun? Well it’s very slight, and neither did I, until I read this explanation.
9. Check on your mini greenhouse and take care not to overheat it!
   1. You could inadvertently bake those little guys to a crisp. Think of a closed up car and how hot they get in the summer sun.  So you’ll want to open the greenhouse lid when it’s too warm.
10. Water according to the seed packet directions with a spray bottle mister- some seeds like to stay moist, others not so much.
11. Wait (oh so patiently) for seeds to germinate! Your seed packet will tell you when to expect sprouts.
12. Transplant your seedlings  when they show their second set of leaves (assuming these are meant for your outdoor garden and wait until the danger of frost has passed).

Good luck! I hope you grow some beautiful plants. What common household items have you repurposed into mini greenhouses?