How to Make a Miniature Greenhouse for a Small Potted Plant

When you're trying to get a seedling to grow indoors, it helps if you can create a humid greenhouse environment for it. Nurseries and hardware stores often sell miniature greenhouse kits, but there's really no need to go to all that expense. Chances are that you have everything you need for a little greenhouse in your home already.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small clay pot with drainage tray
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Plastic sandwich bag
• Popsicle sticks
• Water

1. Prepare your small clay pot by filling it with potting soil and sowing one or more seeds. Be sure to follow any specific planting recommendations described on the seed packet, including watering specifications for new seedlings.

2. Water the soil per the seed packet's instructions.

3. Stick two popsicle sticks into the soil. They should be on opposite sides of the pot, close to the pot's edge.

4. Open a plastic sandwich bag, turn it upside down and put it over the pot. Arrange it so that the popsicle sticks keep the bag open, allowing plenty of room for the plant to grow.

5. Zip the bag closed as much as possible on each side. You won't be able to get a perfectly tight seal, of course, but you'll still get a greenhouse effect by closing it most of the way.

6. Keep the miniature greenhouse in a cool, sunny place and water it regularly. Once you can see a seedling beginning to sprout, start leaving the bag open at the bottom.

7. Remove the bag and popsicle sticks entirely when the sprouting seedling has fully formed.

Tips & Warnings

• When your seedling eventually grows too large for its little pot, consider transferring it to a larger pot or into an outdoor garden.