DIY Mini Greenhouse from CD Cases

This guide details how to construct a small, functional mini-greenhouse for starting seeds on a windowsill using repurposed CD cases.

Materials Needed:

• 3 empty CD cases (1 cm height)
• Hard plastic adhesive
• Cutting pliers

Construction Steps:

1. Disassemble CD Cases

• Carefully remove the inner inserts (tray and booklet holder) from all CD cases. These are often stuck firmly.
• Pry the inserts loose from the edges of the case.
• One CD case will be used with its hinged lid. From the other two CD cases, remove the lids by gently lifting the hinge pins and detaching them.
• Use cutting pliers to carefully remove any protruding pin holders from the lids that are no longer attached to their boxes.

2. Prepare Greenhouse Components

• You will need four main parts for the greenhouse structure: one box with its original hinged lid, two boxes with their lids removed, and one separate lid (without a box).

3. Assemble the Base

• Place the box with the hinged lid on a flat surface, with the lid open.
• Apply adhesive along the edge of the lid where the booklet holders are located. Allow the adhesive to set for approximately 10 seconds.
• Take one of the lidless boxes and slide its edge (the side that originally connected to the lid) under the booklet holders on the hinged lid’s base. Repeat with the second lidless box on the opposite side.
• Ensure the structure stands upright and apply gentle pressure. Allow the adhesive to cure for at least one hour.

4. Attach the Lid

• Apply adhesive to the edge of the separate lid where the booklet holders are on its underside.
• Carefully place this lid onto the two previously attached boxes. Ensure the edges of the lid do not overhang the base of the boxes.
• Apply gentle pressure and allow the adhesive to cure for another hour.

5. Completion

• The mini-greenhouse is now complete. Turn it over; the original base box now serves as the hinged lid.
• Mini terracotta pots are ideal for planting seedlings within this structure.