Terrarium Gardens

If you’ve ever wanted a tiny, magical garden that fits on your desk or brightens a windowsill, a terrarium is the perfect project!

These miniature ecosystems are beautiful and surprisingly easy to care for. Crafting a terrarium is a fun way to bring a touch of nature indoors. Here’s everything you need to know to build your own miniature masterpiece.

Things You Will Need:
• Container
• Small Gravel (approx. 1/2” or smaller)
• Planting Media (potting soil or coco coir)
• Tiny Plants
• Decor or Miniatures
• Soil Covering (decorative stone, Spanish moss, pine bark mulch or pine bark mini nuggets)

Step 1: Prepare Your Container
Choosing the right container is the first step in creating your terrarium. Clear containers like glass bottles, jars, aquariums or fish bowls work best to showcase your plants. Beginners may find larger containers easier to work with. Closed containers maintain humidity and mimic tropical environments, while open containers are ideal for succulents and cacti that prefer drier conditions.

Start by adding 1–2 inches of small gravel at the bottom for drainage, followed by your potting soil or coco coir. If your container has a lid, include a thin layer of horticultural charcoal to prevent stagnant water and odors. This simple foundation ensures a healthy start for your miniature garden.

Step 2: Plant the Landscape
Before planting, think about a theme for your terrarium! Desert, woodland, fairy or tropical themes all work beautifully. Choose small, compact plants with similar light, temperature and humidity needs. Mixing textures, heights and colors creates visual interest.

Lay out your plants in the container before planting to experiment with the arrangement. When ready, gently remove plants from their plastic pots, loosening roots if they’re compacted. Place each plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, ensuring a smooth, balanced look.

Step 3: Add Decor and Miniatures
This is where your creativity shines! Add tiny stones, twigs, figurines or fairy garden accessories to transform your terrarium into a whimsical or realistic landscape. Foraged materials, small trinkets or decorative items from craft stores can all make your miniature world truly unique.

Step 4: Cover and Moisten the Soil
Once your plants and decorations are in place, apply a soil covering to help retain moisture and give your terrarium a polished look. Options include decorative stones, Spanish moss or pine bark mulch. Lightly moisten the soil using a small watering can, pouring along the inside walls of the container to avoid disturbing your carefully placed plants. Avoid overwatering since terrariums are delicate ecosystems!

Step 5: Care for Your Terrarium
Place your terrarium in a spot with the appropriate light. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can overheat the container and harm the plants. Tropical or flowering plants may benefit from morning sun or supplemental light from fluorescent or incandescent bulbs.

Water sparingly and check soil moisture regularly. Succulents and desert terrariums need less frequent watering, while tropical plants will require slightly more. Open terrariums dry faster, whereas closed ones recycle moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Creating a terrarium is like capturing a tiny world in a glass container. Not only do they brighten any space, but they also provide a rewarding connection to nature. Once your terrarium is complete, enjoy the satisfaction of watching your miniature garden thrive!