Greenhouses are so useful for growing warm-climate plants.

They help control temperature and exposure to wind and light, and when plants transpire, the water droplets are released into the air forming a humid microclimate.

Tammy Huynh, horticulturist and guest presenter with Gardening Australia, has her own walk-in greenhouse at her property on Dharug Country, in Cabramatta in south-west Sydney.

But if you don't have that kind of space, Tammy says you can create mini-greenhouses using recycled plastic containers.

Here are three versions to try at home.

Plastic containers such as berry punnets are perfect for turning into mini-greenhouses.

"It's really important the plastic containers have air holes. They're important for ventilation and to allow water to drain away," Tammy says.

Plastic containers are great for growing micro herbs, which are the young leaves of common leafy greens, such as kale, mustard, parsley and coriander.

"They're a quick crop, you can keep them on your kitchen windowsill and harvest them in two weeks, and quickly sneak them into your salads and sandwiches."

You can also grow seeds of plants like tomatoes, pumpkins and basil, which prefer to germinate in warm environments.

To turn a plastic container into a mini-greenhouse:

For larger plants and cuttings, a plastic storage box with a lid makes the perfect greenhouse.

Drill some holes around the top of each side, or leave the lid ajar to ensure adequate ventilation.

"Make sure you do keep it in a brightly lit spot, but out of direct sunlight. You don't want your plants to cook," Tammy advises.

Angel-wing begonias and watermelon peperomias are great plants to try.

"Just from one leaf [of watermelon peperomia] you can actually get two cuttings!" Tammy says.

Here's how to do it with watermelon peperomia:

For an even easier and smaller hothouse, simply cut a clean plastic bottle in half and pop it over a small pot containing an individual cutting.

The top half of the bottle has built-in ventilation via the opening, or you can poke a few holes in the base of the bottom half.

Watch this segment and read more about DIY greenhouses on the Gardening Australia website.

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