Squash bottle (or 2 litre) terrariums

**Tatia** · 06-05-2008, 08:24 AM

As promised, pics included. Although I wish now I had taken pics of the seedlings, too before I potted them on.

Step 1 – Use clean plastic squash or 2 litre bottles

Step 2 – Cut in two about 1/3 of the way from the bottom. Then cut little triangles out of bottom of the top portion. See picture. This is important because it allows the top to be squished back into place. Cut two triangles on opposite sides.

Step 3 – Fill bottoms with good composting soil and plant seeds, evenly spaced. I managed to get about 9 sunflower seeds planted in 3 rows. Smaller seeds (like tomatoes) can be sprinkled all over the soil and you just thin them out later.

Step 4 – Gently but thoroughly water and then put the tops back on. As long as you give them enough water, you shouldn’t need to worry about it again as long as you leave the caps on. The water will condense on sides and then “recycle” itself. Leave in a warm, sunny window sill, undisturbed. My sunflower seedlings sprouted in 3 days, no lie. Sweet peas took about 4 or 5 days and tomatoes took about 7 days.

Step 5 – When they seem to running out of room, take the tops off the terrariums (but make sure the soil stays moist) for a few days. Then, prick out seedlings and pot on into small, individual pots. Begin to harden them off by leaving them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for a few days. Transplant into larger pot or into the ground after seedlings have 2 sets of true leaves and danger of frost has passed.