Build a Terrarium!

Materials

• Fishbowl or glass jar of any size (think green and recycle a plastic bottle!)
• Small stones

Terrariums

• Horticultural charcoal
• Potting soil
• moss
• Plants of your choice (see ideas at bottom) or seeds
• Scissors
• Water
• Decorative rocks and figurines

Here's how

1. Wash the container in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry completely.

2. If you’re using a plastic bottle cut around the bottom, make the cut high enough so the bottom will hold the soil materials.

3. Create a one-inch (2.5-centimeter) layer of stones on the bottom of the jar.

4. Add a half-inch (1.3-centimeter) of charcoal.

5. Moss is optional at this point to prolong the life of your plants.  Moss may not be needed if you are going to move your plants to an outdoor garden.

Terrarium

6. Spoon in a two- to three-inch (5.1- to 7.6-centimeter) layer of potting soil. (If using plants pile soil higher on one side to make plants visible from a side view. Not necessary if planting from seed.) Dig small holes for the roots.

7. Take plants out of their pots, remove extra soil from the roots, and trim damaged leaves. While the roots are still moist, place the plants in the holes and pat soil over the roots. Place taller plants in the back. Dampen the soil. Do not over water.

8. Decorate with pretty rocks, animal figurines, or a garden gnome. Place in indirect sunlight. Add water when your terrarium gets dry.

Tips

• Pick the right plants. Almost any houseplant will grow inside a terrarium. For best results, use plants that need about the same amount of water and sunlight, such as:

• If your terrarium has a small opening, use chopsticks to position your plants.

Prune fast-growing plants so they don't outgrow the terrarium.

If using the terrarium to start garden seeds follow instructions on seed packet when time to transplant outdoors. 


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