How to create mini-greenhouses for microgreens

Added on 21 June 2022

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How to create mini-greenhouses for microgreens

Greenhouses are so useful for growing warm-climate plants. They help control temperature and exposure to wind and light, and when plants transpire, the water droplets are released into the air forming a humid microclimate.

Tammy Huynh, horticulturist and guest presenter with Gardening Australia, has her own walk-in greenhouse at her property on Dharug Country, in Cabramatta in south-west Sydney.

But if you don't have that kind of space, Tammy says you can create mini-greenhouses using recycled plastic containers.

Here are three versions to try at home.

Germinating seeds

Plastic containers such as berry punnets are perfect for turning into mini-greenhouses.

"It's really important the plastic containers have air holes. They're important for ventilation and to allow water to drain away," Tammy says.

Plastic containers are great for growing micro herbs, which are the young leaves of common leafy greens, such as kale, mustard, parsley and coriander.

"They're a quick crop, you can keep them on your kitchen windowsill and harvest them in two weeks, and quickly sneak them into your salads and sandwiches."

You can also grow seeds of plants like tomatoes, pumpkins and basil, which prefer to germinate in warm environments.