How to Start a Vegetable Garden from Seed with a Greenhouse
By RSPCA Shop | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Teach kids to grow vegetables from seed using a mini greenhouse. Step-by-step guide with tips for success, including the Hape Growing Gardeners Greenhouse.
Quick Answer
Start a vegetable garden from seed with a kids greenhouse by making biodegradable newspaper pots, planting seeds, and using the transparent cover to create a warm, safe growing environment.
Why a Kids Greenhouse Makes Seed Starting Easier
A mini greenhouse gives young gardeners a controlled environment where seeds can germinate reliably, even if the outdoor weather is still cool. The transparent cover traps warmth and moisture, which speeds up sprouting and protects delicate seedlings from wind, pests, and heavy rain. This setup is especially helpful for children, as it provides a clear view of the growing process and reduces the risk of accidental damage during the early stages.
Choosing the Right Seeds for First-Time Growers
Fast-germinating vegetables like radishes, lettuce, peas, and beans are ideal for children because they show visible growth within days and are easy to transplant later. Avoid seeds that require a long growing season or special treatment, such as tomatoes or peppers, unless you have a warm indoor spot to continue care after the greenhouse stage. Always check the seed packet for the recommended planting depth and spacing.
Step-by-Step: Starting Seeds in a Kids Greenhouse
- Make Biodegradable Newspaper Pots: Use the bamboo handle from the Hape Growing Gardeners Greenhouse to wrap strips of recycled newspaper around it, forming small pots. Fold the bottom edges to create a base. This avoids plastic pots and makes transplanting easier. If the newspaper pot falls apart, use a double layer of newspaper for extra strength.
- Fill Pots with Seed-Starting Mix: Fill each newspaper pot with a lightweight seed-starting mix (not garden soil). Moisten the mix slightly before adding seeds. This gives seeds the right balance of air and moisture for germination. Avoid overwatering – the mix should feel damp, not soggy, or seeds may rot.
- Plant Seeds at the Correct Depth: Check the seed packet for the recommended planting depth. As a general rule, plant seeds twice as deep as their width. Place one or two seeds per pot, then cover lightly with mix. Planting too deep is a common mistake – tiny seeds like lettuce need only a light dusting of soil.
- Place Pots in the Greenhouse and Cover: Arrange the pots inside the greenhouse base and place the transparent cover on top. This creates a mini greenhouse effect that keeps warmth and humidity high. Put the greenhouse in a bright spot out of direct midday sun. If the cover fogs up heavily, lift it briefly once a day to let fresh air in and prevent mold.
- Water Gently and Monitor Growth: Check the soil moisture daily. Water from the bottom by placing the greenhouse tray in a shallow dish of water, or use a spray bottle to mist the surface. Remove the cover once seedlings have two sets of true leaves. Overhead watering can knock over tiny seedlings – bottom watering is safer and encourages deep root growth.
- Harden Off and Transplant Outdoors: About a week before transplanting, place the greenhouse outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing exposure. Then plant the entire newspaper pot into the garden soil – the pot will decompose naturally. Skipping the hardening-off step can shock seedlings – always give them time to adjust to outdoor conditions.
Product Used in This Guide
- Hape Growing Gardeners Greenhouse: The Hape Growing Gardeners Greenhouse includes a dual-purpose bamboo handle that helps create eco plant pots from recycled newspaper. This lets kids make biodegradable pots at home, so seedlings can be planted directly into the ground without disturbing the roots.
Hape Growing Gardeners Greenhouse
