People Are Using Clear Umbrellas In Order To Make Low-Cost Mini-Greenhouses At Home

Jul 16, 2021

With everyone spending so much time at home these days, more and more people are looking for new hobbies and ways to spend their time. One common activity is gardening, and taking care of plants both indoors and outdoors. There is a gardening hack that has been going viral online and it only requires one cheap item, a clear umbrella you could find at a local dollar store. 

Gardening is an inexpensive hobby that you can do even if you live in an apartment and only take care of houseplants. If you have access to a balcony or a sunny room you can use planters and containers to grow your seeds in. In fact, this hack works best with potted plants. With this tip you can get supermarket quality herbs and vegetables at home.

There are many benefits to gardening that can add peace and prosperity into your life. The calming nature of the activity can help relieve stress for some people, while others enjoy growing their own food for cooking. Growing your own ingredients will bring down costs and the need to make frequent trips to the grocery store.

A clear umbrella placed over your plants will act as a mini-greenhouse and trap humidity inside to keep the sprouts healthy and happy. This tip works best for plants that require a lot of moisture, like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, or even leafy greens like kale, spinach, and arugula. Keep reading to learn how to make your own mini-greenhouse and the science behind the gardening hack. 

What To Do

Start by purchasing a clear umbrella. It does not need to be expensive, any clear umbrella will work. Once all of the plants are potted or in the ground, carefully place the open umbrella over the plants so they are trapped within the dome. One person, Lisa Stromner Dominique on Instagram, suggested breaking off the handle of the umbrella and using the end as a stake to keep it more secure in the dirt, and less likely to blow away in the wind. Remember that you will need to remove the umbrella periodically to water the plants. 

How It Works

According to Hartley Botanic, plants need light, moisture and warmth to grow. Greenhouses, even mini ones made from umbrellas, work by letting in light for the plants that is then converted into heat energy, while still trapping in moisture. The clear plastic from the umbrella, or glass from a traditional greenhouse, will amplify the light and allow the plants more of the energy they need to photosynthesize and grow. 

The moisture that builds up in the greenhouse releases oxygen which contains carbon dioxide, which plants need to grow as well. They also keep greenery protected from the harsh elements in the winter and unwanted pests and animals. This will extend the growing season and yield more at harvest time. 

Using clear umbrellas to make mini-greenhouses is a simple and cost effective way to grow better plants. It is also a fun activity you can do with your kids or other loved ones. 

Do you enjoy growing plants? Would you try this gardening hack? Let us know what you think and be sure to send this along to your friends and family.