Households are being encouraged to repurpose old plastic bottles as miniature greenhouses to protect plants during cold weather. According to experts, this simple hack can create a warm, sheltered environment for seedlings, similar to a traditional glass greenhouse.
The UN estimates that between 18 and 23 million tonnes of plastic leak into aquatic ecosystems each year, highlighting the importance of recycling. By cutting the bottom off a two-litre plastic bottle and placing it over seeds or cuttings in a pot, gardeners can shield plants from harsh elements and pests like rats, foxes, and bugs.
Greenhouses Direct, which shared the tip, states: “If you don’t have a greenhouse and want to sow a few seeds or bring on cuttings, here’s the answer. Get a plastic two-litre soft drink/soda bottle, remove the labels and cut off the bottom. Then sit it on top of your cuttings or seeds in a pot. Once the seeds have started to grow or the cuttings have rooted, you can remove your mini-bottle greenhouse.”
The hack is particularly useful for those with limited space, such as small gardens or balconies. Popular plants that benefit from greenhouse conditions include tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, petunias, and succulents. The plastic bottles can be reused repeatedly as they are non-biodegradable.
Additionally, old milk cartons can be turned into watering cans by cutting small holes in the lid and filling with water. Coffee grounds, rich in nitrogen, can also be used as fertiliser to boost plant growth.
