But since I don't get the opportunity to do many projects with my kiddo anymore, I decided to make one more attempt at creating a healthy terrarium.
Before we got started, I watched (and re-watched) this video by my friend Anne from Anne of Green Gardens. Anne was my inspiration when I made my fairy garden village, so I thought her guidance would boost my confidence with terrariums and it did.
Materials
- Ball 1 gallon glass jar
or other large glass container
- Miracle-Gro potting mix
- activated filter carbon
- sheet moss
- clay hydroballs
or small pebbles
- succulents - I used Donkey Tails and Parva Echeveria
- mixing bowl
- wooden spoon
- small rocks or other decorations (optional)
Directions
 | You may be able to find most of the materials (carbon, moss, clay hydroballs and maybe even a container and plants) at your local pet store. |
 | Place about an inch of carbon at the bottom of the jar. |
 | Add about an inch of clay hydroballs or small pebbles. |
 | Next you will be adding a couple inches of potting mix. I put the potting mix into a bowl and blended it with a handful of the carbon before adding it to my jar. |
 | It's time to add the plants. This can be a little tricky depending on how wide the opening to your jar is. Take your time and be patient. Try to position your plants so they are not touching the glass. |
 | I used the end of a wooden spoon to help me dig little holes for the plants and move the dirt around. |
 | Finally, add a layer of sheet moss around the plants. |
 | If you want, you can decorate your mini-world with colored rocks or other small items. I used a little quail figurine. |
The trick with closed terrariums is finding the right balance. They need light, but not too much light and moisture, but not too much moisture. Keep a close watch over your little environment until that perfect balance is reached. If you see any mold or excessive condensation, remove the lid and let things air out a bit.
What's your secret for the perfect terrarium?
