Tiny Little Greenhouses for free

[ShadyStump]

So, those clear plastic flip top containers that often come with cakes or rolls, or even vegetable trays; I decided they looked like little greenhouses.

Clear top to let sun in, often ventilated already, shallow bottoms sometimes in dark colors that absorb light and get warm.
They just need drainage.

Safety pin does the trick.
I am now ready for seed and cutting starting.

Rocky Mountain maple this go.
I have one in the backyard with some RMJ cuttings, but they aren't looking so great. Warmed up for a bit a while back and I should have watered them.

I imagine I'm not the only one who's tried this. How did it work for you?

 

[PaulH]

Those work great for cuttings. I like the ones rotisserie chickens come in.

 

[Carol 83]

Those work great for cuttings. I like the ones rotisserie chickens come in.

Makes sense, the top covers are much taller.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I have used numerous little plastic containers for all kinds of things over the years. Quick idea if you haven't heard about it. The fastest way to poke air holes in plastic is with an old soldering iron. Perfectly round holes with a soft edge.

 

[ShadyStump]

Those work great for cuttings. I like the ones rotisserie chickens come in.

I've gotten my hands on some from the supermarket deli they put the tomatoes and the like in when they make the big sandwich platters.
Tall top, shallow bottom, already ventilated on top.

I have used numerous little plastic containers for all kinds of things over the years. Quick idea if you haven't heard about it. The fastest way to poke air holes in plastic is with an old soldering iron. Perfectly round holes with a soft edge.

All I need now is an old soldering iron.

 

[19Mateo83]

The “single use” containers like those make excellent little greenhouses and cheaper than buying 1020 trays and it’s always good to repurpose plastic containers instead of throwing them away. Bonsai Nut is correct on the soldering iron to make the holes. Works like a dream.

 

[Lumaca]

All I need now is an old soldering iron.

Or a nail, pliers, and stove top

 

[ShadyStump]

Or a nail, pliers, and stove top

Done that one. Can get messy if you're not careful.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

I have been using plastic water bottles as mini-greenhouses for my cuttings and I have to say its been a significant diference in the success rates!! conifers, tropicals, all kinds of plants. I have collected many bottles that I have found thrown away and give a good use to them

 

[ShadyStump]

I do need to find something on the larger side for some hardwood cuttings I've had in the fridge since October.
Available space under my lights is becoming an issue, though.

 

[penumbra]

Those work great for cuttings. I like the ones rotisserie chickens come in.

And the chicken is a bonus.

 

[Carol 83]

I do need to find something on the larger side for some hardwood cuttings I've had in the fridge since October.
Available space under my lights is becoming an issue, though.

I used cut off 1 liter soda/green tea bottles for my cuttings last year, worked great. Outside though, I don't have the room for them inside.

 

[penumbra]

This was one of my favorites also.