Can you use a plastic box as a greenhouse?

Learn how to make a mini greenhouse out of a recyclable plastic container so that you can start seeds and small plants indoors! We all have a few small, clear plastic cartons with lids hanging around — you know the ones — those clamshell containers that are designed to hold salads and take-out meals.

newengland.com - Make a Mini Greenhouse with Recycled Items - Yankee Magazine

Can you live in a metal shed?

Metal buildings are extremely versatile. People use them for everything from carports and garages to outdoor workshops or private offices. Some...

Last updated Oct 20, 2021

How safe are Barndominiums?

Yes, they are incredibly safe structures. In many ways, the typical barndominium is safer than a regular home. The steel and metal components offer...

Last updated Nov 18, 2020

Promotion

We all have a few small, clear plastic cartons with lids hanging around — you know the ones — those clamshell containers that are designed to hold salads and take-out meals. Some are meant to be disposable, while others are intended for reuse, and what better way to reuse these handy little containers than to make a mini greenhouse for starting seeds indoors? A tried-and-true, simple, Yankee ingenuity project for the frugal and environmentally-conscious gardener in all of us, this project is quick, easy, and best of all — it’s practically free!

Dreamstime

Materials to Make a Mini Greenhouse

A clear plastic container with a cover

Potting soil

Seeds

Optional: individual or sectioned seedling cups, such as egg carton bottoms.

How to Make a Mini Greenhouse

Wash and dry the plastic container. If you are using seedling cups inside your mini-greenhouse, fill them ¾ way with clean potting soil. If you are only using the larger plastic container, fill that ¾ full with clean potting soil. Plant the seeds according to directions on the packet and water just enough to moisten. A spray bottle for misting works well. Close the lid. Depending on the weather, the mini greenhouse can be used inside or outside. Once the weather has turned mild, place the mini greenhouse outside during the day, in an area that receives bright sunlight. If using the mini greenhouse inside, place it in an area that receives an abundance of natural light. Be sure to check and see if the soil is drying out when the greenhouse is in full sun. If the soil does dry out, add only enough water to keep the soil moist. Bring your mini-greenhouse in at night and place it out in the sun during the day. In no time at all, your seedlings will emerge, giving you a head start on your spring planting. When the seedlings become too tall for the lidded space, simply prop the lid open with a Popsicle stick or other device or remove it entirely. As long as the temperature is above freezing, there is no need to keep the greenhouse under a lid, but do remember to bring it inside at night. When the seedlings begin to outgrow their horizontal space, re-pot in a container until the danger of a frost has passed. After the frost danger is over, plant in the ground and enjoy.

This post was first published in 2015 and has been updated.

SEE MORE:

Can wood stop a bullet?

Some varieties of wood, such as oak and maple, are renowned for their strength. But scientists say a simple and inexpensive new process can...

Last updated Apr 24, 2019

What is the cheapest way to heat a summer house?

Convector heaters are also good value and one of the lowest cost heaters to purchase. A downside is that they are best suited to well insulated and...

Last updated May 9, 2020

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

How do you snake a toilet?

How to Snake a Toilet Feed the end of the cable into the toilet, taking care not to scratch the bowl. Crank the handle clockwise and push the auger until you either snag the obstruction or break it up so it can be flushed. If you snag the obstruction, pull out the auger. Clean the auger as needed.

homedepot.com - How to Unclog a Toilet - The Home Depot

3 How to Snake a Toilet

To unclog toilets that couldn't be fixed with a plunger, use a toilet auger. Also called a plumbing snake, this flexible coil of wire is designed to extend into pipes and clear obstructions without damaging the plumbing. Feed the end of the cable into the toilet, taking care not to scratch the bowl. Crank the handle clockwise and push the auger until you either snag the obstruction or break it up so it can be flushed.

If you snag the obstruction, pull out the auger.

Clean the auger as needed.

Tip: If you don’t have an auger, an unbent coat hanger or garden hose can be used as a snake, but may not be as effective. Not every every homeowner has, or needs, drain cleaning equipment readily available. You can rent augers and other drain cleaning tools from The Home Depot's Tool Rental Center to help keep your expenses down and the shelves in your workshop less cluttered.

What can I use for the roof of a shed?

Sturdy and waterproof materials are the best for use on a shed roof or garden building. Here at Roofing Superstore, we'd recommend using felt,...

Last updated Dec 27, 2019

How much to build a foundation for a shed?

A concrete slab for a shed will cost between $4.00 and $5.00 a square foot assuming you do all the preparation work. If you hire someone to do the...

Last updated Apr 8, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What can I make with leftover MDF?

Functional Projects Scrap Wood Towel Hook. ... Easy Drawer Dividers. ... Quick, Versatile Flower Box. ... Vertical Plant Hanger. ... Multi-Purpose...

Last updated Jan 19, 2019

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can rats really chew through metal?

They can even get through softer metals like aluminum sheeting, lead, copper, iron, and gold. That means you shouldn't try to keep rats out of your...

Last updated Jan 1, 2022