Hi all 👋
My seedlings (lettuce, spring onions, radish, beetroot, spinach and a few flowers) were starting to get a little leggy indoors, so I went down the YouTube rabbit hole and came across the “storage box greenhouse” method.
I’ve just moved them outside and put them under an upside-down clear storage box. (there are no frosts forecast in the coming weeks but I will keep checking daily)
I plan to close it fully overnight for protection, then during the day crack it open slightly to allow airflow and stop things getting too humid. The idea being they get much better light, stay cooler, and hopefully grow sturdier than being indoors.
I’m in a cooler UK climate, so still early season conditions here.
Has anyone else in cooler climates tried this method for growing on early crops?
How did it work for you? Any tips for ventilation, condensation, or sudden cold snaps?
Would love to hear experiences before I fully commit to this setup for the next few weeks!
Thanks 🌱
by One_Jackfruit2492
5 Comments
This is an interesting contraption. I usually use ziploc bags.
My experience using storage boxes outdoors is that the plastic isn’t usually designed to withstand UV exposure and big temperature variations, so there’s a good chance it breaks down and starts to crack after not too long! But in the interim, I hope it works great!
I did when I knew overnight temps wouldn’t drop anywhere near freezing.
But the main thing for you would be to measure soil temps, I’d think….the more below room temps your soil is, the slower anything would grow anyway.
You’re trying to build a budget cold frame; this is not a “storage box greenhouse” since greenhouses are standalone structures. Be careful with misinformation online, especially from YouTubers trying to indoctrinate you and farm your views.
I hate how I never thought to use clear totes like this. That’s just brilliant.