Grow Plants Indoors With These DIY Mini-Greenhouse Ideas

by Ryan Christensen 09/28/2022

Whether you're gardening in the winter or protecting delicate houseplants, indoor greenhouses are an excellent solution. You can find miniature greenhouses meant purely for utility and others meant to provide aesthetic appeal. If you build your own mini-greenhouse, it's up to you. Here are some ideas for simple mini-greenhouses to use indoors.

Plastic Bin Greenhouse

For a convenient, affordable and easy-to-make mini-greenhouse, all you need is a clear plastic storage bin. The size of bin you choose should correspond with the type of plants you want to grow in your mini-greenhouse. Most plastic storage bins are rectangular and can be set up on their side to accommodate taller, larger plants. Use a drill, jigsaw, dremel or hot knife to make holes in the lid of the bin for air flow. Place your new mini-greenhouse in a sunny spot or under an LED grow lamp for easier photosynthesis.

Upcycled Picture Frame Greenhouse

For a much smaller mini-greenhouse, try making a terrarium -style container using picture frames. You can use vintage frames for a funky, eclectic aesthetic as long as they're the correct size. Otherwise, simple rectangular picture frames can be found at most dollar stores. Take them apart so you only have the frame itself and the glass pane. Then, using hot glue or other strong adhesive, connect the frames into a box shape. There are many different design options to choose from, including those with hinged doors and some that are open to the air at the top. Regardless, your smaller plants will be protected and stylish.

Upgraded Display Cabinet Greenhouse

Converting a glass display cabinet into a greenhouse is a hot trend among houseplant enthusiasts. While a more expensive option, it's simple to build and makes a stunning aesthetic statement in any room. Use LED light strips on the top of the cabinet and the bottom of each shelf to provide light for the plants. For extra humidity and temperature control, add weather stripping to the edges. This way, you can create a functional and beautiful mini-greenhouse that also serves as eye-catching décor.

There are many ways to build a DIY greenhouse of any size. However, if you're interested in creating a greenhouse to use indoors, these options are a great place to begin.

About the Author
Author

Ryan Christensen

Responsive, Responsible and Resourceful - How Real Estate Should Be. This is the foundation of our continued success: responsive service, providing accurate and timely information, and demystifying the process. 100% of my business is referral based because I listen to my clients' needs and exceed their expectations. As a full-time real estate broker, I am the best advocate for both my buyers and sellers. I am always available, regardless of the time of day.

 Being a native Southern Californian is a tremendous advantage. I know the area. Time is more valuable than money, but neither can be wasted. And, I'm a fan of hard work. My clients can enjoy their home buying and/or selling experience because I provide a trusting, focused, straightforward approach. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and find joy in homeownership.

 I am both a licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker. Others choose to concentrate on one or the other. I provide a higher level of service and expertise than those who do not obtain this dual skill set, which differentiates me from other service providers. My decisions and advice are based solely on what is in the best interest of my clients. I use Real Estate Sales as a tool to make sure my clients get the home that meets or exceeds their needs. As a Mortgage Broker, I search for the best loans so I can offer lower rates and pricing than my financing competition. This certainly IS in the client's best interest.