Soda Bottle Mini Greenhouse Tutorial

It's springtime and that means that it's time to start planting those seeds! The only problem with early spring is that there is still the chance of one last cool front, and you're new seedlings are at mercy of the weather. A great way to protect those little plants (and keep them growing strong) is by starting your little indoor green house using nothing but plastic soda bottles!

What You'll Need

1 1-liter soda bottle (I used a Dr Pepper bottle.)
Scissors
Seeds
Water
Soil

What To Do

Make sure the bottles are clean!

1. Remove the caps. Cut both bottles in half.
2. Fill the bottom half of the 1-liter bottle with 1/2" of water.
3. Put the 1-liter spout top upside into into the 1-liter bottle bottom with the spout facing down towards the water.

You can't see it, but there is water on the bottom.

4. Fill with soil. It's okay if soil gets into the water. If you want to avoid that, you can put a small paper towel in the spout -- but make sure that water can still drain through the paper towel.
5. Place 2-3 seeds into the soil, following seed directions.

Seeds are in place and it's ready for labeling!

6. Lightly wet soil, but not soaking wet.
8. Set in a sunny warm place like a windowsill.

Chalk labels are a great way to label so you can reuse your greenhouse! By the way, it says Garlic Chives. I ran out of room. Haha!

Be sure to label your greenhouses with the seed name & the date you planted it! (Example: Chinese Lanterns 3/25)

Not sure how to keep your little plants growing? Be sure to water when the soil is dry. Don't over-water or under-water... this is a surefire way to kill them. (Trust me on this!) A goof-proof way to water your greenhouse plant is to use a spray bottle and spray the water onto the soil.

This is also a great way to get kids interested into plants and teach about how greenhouses work!

You can also go a step further and cut a 2-liter bottle in half, take the spout top and place it over your greenhouse.