Mother nature!
I wanted to bring a very small part of it to my home! Guess how I did it? I made a mini indoor greenhouse garden.
Now I can enjoy its beauty and benefits year-round. However, it always makes me wonder why people struggle with creating a mini indoor greenhouse.
Well, it’s true; it is a bit challenging. But not anymore!
Because with the right knowledge and strategy, you are all set to go.
In the following article, I’m going to explore how you can make a mini greenhouse and what you can do with your mini indoor greenhouse.
Key Takeaways:
✅Choose the location, gather tools, select the structure, prepare it, and maintain it properly.
✅You can enjoy all year-round gardening and monitor plants every day after utilizing your compact space.
Basics of Creating a Mini Indoor Greenhouse in the City
Mini indoor greenhouse is a structurally built-in indoor space to grow plants. The basic difference between a mini and a traditional one is that a mini is small in size and easy to maintain.
You can choose a houseplant or other plant you want to grow in this greenhouse, like vegetables, fruits, or herbs. Such as the following:
- Vegetables (Spinach, Lettuce, Carrots, and microgreens)
- Fruits (Strawberries, avocados, raspberries, and grapes)
- Herbs (Basil, Coriander, Thyme, Mint, and oregano)
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Mini Indoor Greenhouse
Creating and maintaining a mini indoor greenhouse is fun.
All of your family members can enjoy such a thing. Here’s to how:
Step 1: Picking The Right Spot
At first, pick a convenient spot where your plants will get the most sunlight throughout the day. Why? Well, it’s essential to ensure natural light to keep your plant healthy.
On the other hand, the existing temperature and how you are going to maintain it can help you choose spaces. For indoor growing plants, it needs 65-75°F (18-23°C).
Step 2: Assembling Required Materials & Tools
To complete the task successfully, make sure you choose the right tools. They are as follows:
- Plastic containers (Spinach container or strawberry container) with lids
- Seed starting mix
- Spoon
- Scissors/craft knife/sharp blade
- Black Sharpie marker
- Glue
- Double tape, etc.
Step 3: Selecting Your Mini Greenhouse Structure
You can implement tons of DIY greenhouse ideas, like glass cabinet greenhouses, Plastic Food food containers, Storage boxes, aquariums, Picture Frame greenhouses, Mini Lantern greenhouses, IKEA hack greenhouses, etc.
On the other hand, if you think a DIY greenhouse project is not for you or you don’t have enough time to do it, there are pre-built mini greenhouse kits for sale. All you need to do is choose the one that suits your budget and fits your space.
Step 4: Preparing the Mini Greenhouse Structure
Time to get your hands dirty!
Line the bottom of your greenhouse with a layer of gravel or small rocks for drainage, then add a layer of potting soil. This will give your plants a solid foundation to grow on. Also, give it a good once-over to make sure it’s ready to house your greenery.
Step 5: Arranging Plants Effectively
This is where your green thumb really comes into play. Arrange your plants in a way that maximizes space and sunlight exposure.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Based on the available space and your preference, choose plants that perfectly fit in your greenhouse.
- Leaf Shape: A large leaf might irritate you and the overall environment. In this case, you can choose a plant with a small leaf or a medium one.
- Plant Type: You have the freedom to have plants like vegetables, fruits, and, herbs. So, choose what you love most.
- Color: Do you prefer vibrant, colorful plants? Or want to have plants of mixed color combinations. You can make your greenhouse more lively with plants of vibrant colors.
- Pots: Depending on plant type and size, pick the small pots. In this way, you can have more plants.
Step 6: Close Up the Mini Greenhouse
Once everything is set up, seal the deal.
In other words, close up your mini greenhouse to create a warm and humid environment that’s perfect for plant growth.
Just like tucking your plants in for a cozy nap. If needed, you can use a heater.
Maintenance Tips
- Ensure the appropriate temperature to keep your plant growing.
- Based on the quantity of the plant, control the humidity.
- Better ventilation and airflow keep your greenhouse alive.
- Don’t forget to water your plants.
- Ensure a proper drainage system.
- You can create a bit of mist using spray.
- Make sure your plants are not getting dense.
- Monitor closely to find any signs of pests or diseases.
- Use heaters and airflow machines if needed to keep the environment perfect inside the greenhouse.
- Make your greenhouse more lively with some decorative touches.
- Keep it clean, and take care of it.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Mini Indoor Greenhouse?
Having a mini indoor greenhouse is like having a secret garden right in your home! Here’s why it’s such a fantastic idea:
Year-Round Gardening
A mini indoor greenhouse gives you the freedom to grow your plants, whatever the weather or season.
In fact, even if you have tropical plants, you don’t have to worry about anything.
All credit goes to their controlled environment, adjustable temperature, and protection that offers optimal growing conditions all year round.
Pest Control And Reduced Plant Diseases
One of the biggest headaches for outdoor gardeners is dealing with pests and diseases. But guess what? Inside your mini greenhouse, you’re the boss!
You have more control over the environment, which means fewer pests and diseases bothering your precious plants.
Better Growth Environment for Plants
A mini greenhouse’s environment ensures better plant growth. You can use heaters, vents, fans, plastic sheeting, sun rays, and many more to keep the temperature and environment under control.
Space-saving Solution For City Residents
Living in a bustling city with limited space? No problem!
A mini indoor greenhouse is the ultimate space-saving solution. Whether you have a tiny apartment or a cozy condo, you can still enjoy the benefits of gardening without sacrificing precious square footage.
Challenges and Solutions of Mini Indoor Greenhouse
Sometimes, mini indoor greenhouses throw challenges at the gardener.
However, no need to worry, all of them are minor if you know how to solve them. Such as the following:
Managing Humidity and Condensation
Humidity keeps your plants fresh, as they love water from the air. If it is unbalanced, then issues like pests and pathogens will develop.
In a mini indoor greenhouse, you can keep 80% humidity based on your plant types. If needed, you can use a humidifier.
On the other hand, don’t make it overcrowded just to keep your favorite plant. Try to choose compact plant varieties to save space. After all, it is your duty to let them breathe properly.
Ensuring Adequate Light Exposure
Lack of sufficient light is another challenge for the mini indoor gardener. Because sunlight gets limited access.
As a result, plants hardly get adequate light, which influences plant growth. To overcome this problem, you can place it near a window where the sun offers the brightest light.
Keeping Temperatures Stable
Temperature is a critical factor, especially in extreme weather conditions. It can badly damage your whole greenhouse system. To solve this problem, you need to monitor the temperature closely.
If needed, cover with plastic wrap, shade cloths, or open vents. It will keep the greenhouse cool on hot and warm days.
On the other hand, in the winter months, you can use a heater or thermal blankets to keep the atmosphere warm. Remember, based on the plant types, the state of the temperature will vary.
Pest Management
Your mini greenhouse is sensitive to pests and diseases. A simple mistake here and there can welcome pests faster than your imagination.
Inspect the plant regularly and look for any signs of infestation or illness. If needed, use natural remedies, especially neem oil for pests or baking soda for fungal disease.
DIY Ideas for Urban Mini Indoor Greenhouse Designs
Creating your own mini indoor greenhouse is such a rewarding project, especially when you get to repurpose materials and get creative with limited space.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get those green thumbs working with some creative and eco-friendly solutions:
Upcycled Materials
Who says your greenhouse needs to be made from fancy materials?
There are different types of upcycled materials available that are very useful to build your style for a DIY indoor greenhouse. Such as, you can reuse a CD case, umbrella, or picture frame to do it. All of them let you build eye-catching designs.
Vertical Greenhouse Structures for Limited Spaces
Tight on space? No problem!
Vertical structures are the best option when you have limited space. It involves multiple layers, or levels, that are arranged vertically.
Such methods also let you optimize land utilization. Even better, it gives a whole new look to your plant arrangement.
Turn Window Into Greenhouse
It’s a bit unusual, but you can use many recycled windows at once to build a greenhouse. All you need to do is drill and set them side by side to make a square frame where everything will be controlled by your rules.
Final Thoughts
Creating a mini indoor greenhouse is not only a fun and rewarding project, but it’s also a fantastic way to bring the beauty of nature into your home year-round.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, there’s something truly special about nurturing your own little green oasis indoors.
So why wait? Get started today and watch as your indoor space transforms into a thriving haven of lush greenery and natural beauty.
Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it cheaper to build your own greenhouse?
No, building your own greenhouse from scratch is more costly than buying a standard greenhouse kit with no frills.
Do mini greenhouses work in the winter?
Yes, it works great in the winter. Many owners adopt this method to protect their plants indoors in the winter. For example, using a clear plastic food container can easily trap moisture and heat to provide a warm and humid environment.
Does a mini greenhouse need ventilation?
Yes, it needs ventilation. In fact, a mini greenhouse works like a traditional greenhouse, where you must provide adequate ventilation.
What is the cheapest way to heat a small greenhouse?
Gas is a thrifty way to create heat. People use three different ways to heat it: gas, eclectic, or passive solar heat. Other options are pricier than gas. No wonder most of the owners of mini greenhouses choose gas over other options because of the cost.
Can you grow plants with an LED light?
Of course, it is possible to grow plants with an LED light. They come in a wide range of colors and greatly enhance the growth of your plant. Hence, it is better than other artificial lights that can mimic sunlight.
