How to Build a Terrarium

It's easy to build a terrarium. It's a fun and fairly simple way to bring the outdoors in. This self-sustaining system is a great project to do with kids and makes an excellent teaching tool about habitat. A terrarium can consist of just plants or in the spring and summer months you could invite a salamander or frog in for visit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Moist soil
• Pebbles or small stones
• Spray bottle
• High moisture and partial sun-tolerant plants
• Clear container with tight fitting lid, such as an aquarium

1. Assemble all of your supplies. Make sure you have everything you need on hand when you begin. Choose a comfortable shaded area with access to water to work. The area you are working in may get a little messy.
2. Line the bottom of your container evenly with small pebbles or stones about an inch deep (depending on the size of your container). This will allow for proper drainage.
3. Add a layer of moist fertile soil. If you are not planning on adding a salamander or other critter you can use regular potting soil. But if you choose to include an amphibious critter you should use a moist organic soil mixture. Your soil layer should be 2 to 3 inches deep.
4. Incorporate a variety of plants in your terrarium. Check your backyard for ferns and mosses. If you are taking something from nature make sure you have permission to harvest it and take a small enough amount so as not to impact the plant. If you are adding a critter make sure you use native species that the critter is familiar with. Also consider using ivy and small flowering plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you build a terrarium it is important to first decide where it will live in your home. Choose a place that receives indirect sunlight. Too much sunlight could be damaging to your plants and animals.
• Make sure you have a secure lid or cover for your container. The container should not be air tight, some air is needed. You may need to poke small holes in the lid. If you are using an aquarium a plexi-glass lid works well with holes drilled into in.
• Water your plants until the soil is moist, taking care not to over water. Watch your terrariums for sign of dryness and water as needed with a spray bottle.
• Use larger decorative rocks to add interest to your terrarium.
• A large glass jar or plastic bottle is a suitable container for this project.
• When doing this project with kids keep a journal of observations of your mini ecosystem.
• If you do add an amphibian make sure you research what specific habitat requirements it has so you can tailor your design to its needs.
• Too much watering will kill your plants just as under-watering will. Watch for too much condensation on the container.