Do Strawberry Containers Make The Perfect Mini Greenhouses For Seedlings?

When you buy strawberries at the grocery store, they typically come in plastic containers with a clamshell lid. Unfortunately, that plastic is largely unrecyclable, and you obviously can't compost it either. Recyclable plastics will have a number stamped into the bottom of the container, which indicates whether or not you can recycle them. Overall, berry containers don't typically qualify — but that doesn't mean you can't repurpose them. In fact, their shape and size make them ideal candidates for mini greenhouses, which can be used to grow seedlings.

The main thing that makes strawberry containers great for starting and growing seedlings is the lid. That's because it snaps shut, trapping the moisture and humidity inside and creating the perfect environment for your seedlings to sprout. It's just one of many ways to reuse plastic fruit containers around your home and in your garden. To get started, all you need is a strawberry container, some potting mix, and seeds. These clamshell-style containers already come with openings at the top and bottom, so adding drainage holes shouldn't be required. Also ensure you have a tray for underneath the container to catch any excess water.

To turn your strawberry container into a mini greenhouse, begin by removing any stickers and washing it out completely. Once fully dry, fill the strawberry container with potting mix and add some of the seeds you should start indoors. Plants like beans, peas, peppers, and tomatoes are great choices. Be sure to space them out according to the seed packet's instructions. After sowing your seeds, water thoroughly to set them in place — but don't soak them. Then, close the lid and place your new mini greenhouse in the sun. The heat from the sunshine will help the water evaporate from the soil, forming condensation on the lid that will drip back down onto the dirt. You may also want to label your container to remember what you've planted.

Keep an eye on the moisture levels inside the strawberry container to ensure the soil stays moist but not too wet. If you find water pooling or it looks too damp, simply pop open the lid to allow for more airflow. Once the seedlings emerge, open the top and let them grow! When they're ready for replanting in a pot or in the garden, save the mini greenhouse you created from that leftover clamshell container for next season or use it for another purpose in the off-season. Some great ideas include organizing seed packets and garden markers, housing crafting supplies, and holding small toys.