10 DIY Indoor Greenhouses

1. Mini Greenhouse from Old Picture Frames

Repurpose old picture frames into a charming mini greenhouse ideal for desks and window sills. By joining frames with glass panes, you create a compact structure that offers excellent insulation for seedlings and small plants, while the hinged roof or door provides easy access for watering and maintenance.

This DIY solution rivals store-bought tabletop models in both function and visual appeal, adding a touch of vintage style to your home. For a detailed guide, visit Country Living’s Picture Frame Terrarium Tutorial.

2. Plastic Storage Bin Greenhouse

Transform a clear plastic storage bin into an effective indoor greenhouse for starting seeds or rooting cuttings. The transparent lid and walls help trap humidity and warmth, creating a miniature climate-controlled environment that encourages rapid germination.

This DIY greenhouse is lightweight, portable, and significantly more affordable than many commercial propagation trays, making it perfect for beginners or budget-conscious gardeners. Simply add seed trays or pots inside and mist as needed. For expert guidelines on creating a plastic bin greenhouse, explore the advice from University of Minnesota Extension.

3. Bookshelf Greenhouse

Convert an ordinary bookshelf into a vertical indoor greenhouse by attaching clear acrylic or polycarbonate panels to the sides and front. Add LED grow lights to each shelf, creating optimal conditions for a range of plants.

This clever setup maximizes space—perfect for apartments and small homes—while offering more protection and humidity control than traditional open plant shelves. The vertical design makes it easy to organize and access your mini-garden. For design inspiration and practical tips, check out this creative bookshelf greenhouse idea on Apartment Therapy.

4. Tabletop Cloche Garden

Employing glass cloches or bell jars creates an elegant, micro-greenhouse environment perfect for delicate plants like herbs, mosses, or orchids. These clear domes trap humidity and warmth, protecting sensitive greenery while enhancing growth.

Their classic design delivers a Victorian-inspired aesthetic, reminiscent of traditional terrariums, but with a modern twist suitable for any tabletop display. Tabletop cloche gardens are especially effective for showcasing single specimens in style, combining both function and beauty. For more inspiration and tips on using cloches indoors, visit Gardens Illustrated.

5. PVC Pipe Frame Greenhouse

Create a lightweight, adaptable greenhouse by constructing a frame from PVC pipes and covering it with clear plastic sheeting. This DIY option is not only cost-effective but also highly customizable, allowing you to fit the structure into various indoor spaces, from spare rooms to sunrooms.

Compared to metal or wood frames, PVC is easy to cut, assemble, and move as needed, making it ideal for renters or those seeking temporary setups. For a step-by-step guide and more information, refer to the resource from University of Georgia Extension.

6. Repurposed Wardrobe Greenhouse

Transforming an unused wardrobe or armoire into a chic indoor greenhouse brings both style and function to your plant care routine. Install adjustable shelving to accommodate various plant sizes, and add small fans or vents to improve air circulation.

Integrate grow lights for optimal year-round growth, turning the enclosed space into a highly efficient microclimate. This upcycled approach rivals commercial grow cabinets for less cost and more customization potential, letting you tailor the greenhouse to your décor. For creative inspiration, visit this upcycling guide on Upcycle That.

7. Window Shelf Greenhouse

Install glass or acrylic shelves directly within a sunny window frame to craft a passive, space-efficient mini-greenhouse. This method maximizes natural light exposure while allowing excellent airflow around your plants, perfect for nurturing herbs, succulents, or seedlings.

Watering is a breeze with open access, and the transparent shelves enhance both visibility and aesthetic appeal. Unlike window boxes, this setup utilizes vertical space and keeps plants at varying heights, optimizing growth and sunlight capture. For installation tips and design ideas, explore this helpful guide from This Old House.

8. Terrarium-Style Bottle Greenhouse

Transform large glass bottles or jars into charming mini-greenhouses, ideal for nurturing small plants, cuttings, or seedlings. These enclosed containers create a natural condensation cycle, recycling moisture and maintaining humidity with minimal care. Choose a closed system for high-humidity loving plants or an open system for species that prefer more airflow.

Decorative options abound—from vintage demijohns to modern glass canisters—making these bottle greenhouses both functional and stylish. Although similar to traditional terrariums, their simple construction and maintenance set them apart. For inspiration, visit Chicago Botanic Garden’s terrarium guide.

9. Zip-Up Grow Tent Greenhouse

Create a budget-friendly grow tent greenhouse by assembling a lightweight frame from PVC or wood and enclosing it with zip-up plastic sheeting. This DIY structure offers excellent control over light exposure, humidity, and temperature—making it ideal for sensitive or exotic plants that require a specific environment.

The zippered door provides easy access and privacy, mimicking the performance of commercial grow tents at a fraction of the price. For tips on building and optimizing your own grow tent, refer to the expert advice from Gardening Know How.

10. Hanging Bag Greenhouse

Create a unique vertical greenhouse by using clear hanging bags or pouches to grow herbs, seedlings, or microgreens. This inventive method is ideal for maximizing space efficiency in small apartments or kitchens, while the transparent material helps retain moisture and provides a quick visual check on plant health.

Hanging bag greenhouses add an eye-catching, modern touch compared to traditional hanging planters, and can be easily moved or rearranged as needed. For step-by-step guidance and additional tips, consult this resource from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Conclusion

DIY indoor greenhouses offer a wealth of creative possibilities, making it easy for anyone to cultivate plants indoors regardless of space or experience. From upcycled furniture to simple plastic bins, these projects are accessible and customizable to fit your unique needs. Experimenting with different designs lets you discover what works best for your plants and living space. Start small or go bold—indoor gardening is both rewarding and fun. For more inspiration and guidance, explore resources at RHS Indoor Gardening.