The Affordable Indoor Microgreen Planter Hiding In Your Trash

Milk and juice cartons are destined for a life at the recycling center after they hit the bin. Still, with a little DIY magic, they can take on new life and become the base of an indoor microgreen garden instead. To make this transformation happen, cut out one side of a quart-sized juice box, add in some soil, and use a spent paper towel roll to add in some microgreens. Water the bin daily, and watch as the greens begin to sprout over time. This is the perfect way to turn what would normally be wasted into the perfect vessel for some nutrient-rich veggies.

This hack is great for those with limited space in the home since the cartons fit neatly on a windowsill or small shelf. Moreover, the concept also helps you think differently about everyday objects. It's easy to turn something ordinary into a functional piece that helps you achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Finding ways to upcycle your milk and juice containers is also a great way to lower your carbon footprint. After all, containers and packaging, like those used to hold milk and juice, accounts for roughly 28.1% of the nation's total waste output, according to a 2018 report from the EPA. Moreover, little DIY projects like this are great to do with your kids, especially when you take the time to decorate them. You don't have to stop with milk and juice containers either. You can also use plastic berry containers for this garden hack instead.

Aside from the initial novelty, the real charm of creating a DIY indoor microgreen garden is personalizing the concept. Many different vegetables are easy to grow inside and are packed with flavor and nutrients. For some variety, mix herbs in with your microgreens. These will make a valuable addition to soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. 

Next, decorating your cartons with paint and stickers lets you integrate the carton into your kitchen aesthetic, adding to your kitchen's personality while remaining functional. A simple way to expand on this hack is to line up multiple containers to create a display that turns a small space into a vibrant window box display. Simply use some Gorilla glue to stick a few cartons together, decorate the base, and then plant your greens as usual. You can also take things a step further by creating a small DIY watering can out of plastic materials, too.

This simple hack is easy to build upon — you're only limited by your imagination. What makes this idea worthwhile is how easily it blends sustainability and creativity. Single-use objects destined for the bin can be used for so much more than you think.