How to Build a Jar Terrarium

Build a Terrarium in a Jar

1A terrarium is a small world of plants that grows inside a clear container. A closed terrarium can almost water itself. Water from the wet soil and the leaves goes into the air inside the jar. It forms tiny drops on the glass, and the drops roll back down into the soil. With a lid on top, the water stays inside.

2What you need: a large glass jar with a lid, small pebbles, potting soil, a few small plants such as moss or tiny ferns, a spoon, and a spray bottle filled with water.

3Step 1: Pour a layer of pebbles into the bottom of the jar. The pebbles give extra water a place to go, so the roots of the plants do not sit in water and rot.

4Step 2: Use the spoon to add a thick layer of soil on top of the pebbles. Make the soil deep enough to cover the roots of your plants.

5Step 3: Dig a small hole in the soil for each plant. Set the plants in gently, and press the soil around their roots. Leave a little space between the plants so they have room to grow.

6Step 4: Spray the plants and the soil with water a few times. The soil should feel damp, not soggy. Then put the lid on the jar.

7Tip: Keep your terrarium in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. Strong sun can make the inside of a closed jar too hot for the plants. If the glass stays foggy all day, take the lid off for a few hours to let some water out.