How to Build a Terrarium with your Kids

Building a terrarium is a great activity to do with the kids on a rainy day!

Things You'll Need

• Glass jar or vase with Lid, large
• small pebbles
• potting soil
• small plants, or mosses
• small decorative accessories

Instructions

1. Start with a clean container.

   Any clear plastic or glass container will do. Terrariums can be built in clear plastic cups stacked on top of each other or old pickle jars, or even fancy apothecary bottles. Pick a container that suites your tastes. Just make sure the container is tall enough for the plants you intend to grow in your terrarium. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 4 inches from the top of the plants to the top of the terrarium.

   Clean your container with dish soap and rinse well. Dry with a soft cloth.

2. Layer bottom of container with pebbles.

   Building a terrarium is a bit like putting together a lasagne, you just layer the different materials in the container - it's really simple! Start by adding a thin layer of small pebbles in the bottom of your container. Adding this layer of pebbles will allow your terrarium to drain water away from the plant roots and help to foster a healthy environment in your terrarium.

   Experiment with different materials for your "pebble" layer. Any small pebble like item can be used, as long as it is not biodegradable. What about a bottom layer of all those extra tiny Lego pieces laying around the playroom, or the marbles in the jar in the kids closet. Even those left over beads from other craft projects will work!

3. Add topsoil to container.

   First, prepare your topsoil by watering well and allowing water to absorb into the soil before trying to add to your container. After soaking the soil well, let sit for at least 30 minutes, and drain (if necessary) before using. The goal is to have very moist soil, but not dripping wet soil.

   Next, add topsoil to your container. Think about the fractions your kids are learning - The layer of topsoil and including the pebble layer below should not fill your container more than half full. More topsoil will not allow room for plant growth, so be sure to allow enough room!

   Remember that the type of topsoil you use is important too. Different plants have different requirements for soil. Read up on the type of soil your plants like and then use it! You can even search the internet for custom soil recipes if you want to really build your terrarium from scratch!

4. Plant mosses and plants in the container.

   If you picked a wide mouth container for your terrarium, this step will be a breeze. If on the other hand, your container has a very narrow opening, be prepared to compensate for not being able to stick your hands into your container - sometimes chopsticks are helpful for this activity!

   First, using your hands (or chopsticks!), dig a small hole in the topsoil that is deep enough to accept your plant. Usually, you can count on digging a hole about twice the size of your plant's root ball. Place your plant gently in the soil and pat topsoil around your plant. Continue planting in this manner until all of your plants are in the container.

   Don't overfill your terrarium! You can probably fit no more than three different plants in a container the size of a glass biscuit jar. Too many plants leads to overcrowding, bad air circulation, and eventual death for your plants!

   If you followed step 3 for preparing your soil, there is no need to water in your plants. If you did not, take the time now to water your terrarium. Remember, the water will not drain out, but down into the pebbles - DO NOT OVERWATER!!

5. Arrange decorative accessories in our terrarium.

   Use small figurines, plastic bugs and butterflies, jewelry, stones, beads, or coins to decorate your terrarium. Add a little container of water and glue a little dragonfly to the edge. If you are giving the terrarium as a gift, pick out a large flat stone and have the kiddos write a quick note with a sharpie. Nestle it in your terrarium and wait for the smiles from Grandma!

   You can add as many or as little accessories as you wish. Some terrariums call for all sorts of things, peaking out of little nooks and crannies, while others do best with a stark field of no accessories. Use your imagination, and design something that you like to look at, and makes you happy - you can't go wrong!

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to change out the plants in your terrarium periodically, consider purchasing little plants in small plastic containers - you can plant the plant, pot and all, and then later, just swap out with a new plant when ready. `

• Don't over water!