Instead of going out to dinner, buy good food. Cooking at home shows such affection. In a bad economy, it's more important to make yourself feel good.
Ina Garten
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After seeing lots of terrariums and supplies for terrariums at the Philadelphia Flower Show, I decided to make my own. I still remember when terrariums were hot way back when; it always seemed like they were pretty complicated to make and maintain. However, they’re not, plus they can be a frugal and unique gift for someone who is housebound or needs cheering up. Terrariums are also a great indoor gardening project for kids since they can be completed in under 30 minutes.
To make the terrarium, I used an over-sized Anchor Hoking cookie jar purchased from Target quite a few years ago. I had visions of keeping it filled with cookies for my kids and their friends. Alas, it was too big for permanent residence on our counter. I think I spent about $20 to $25 on the cookie jar. You could easily find a large jar or glass vase at the thrift shop, or go smaller with a quart canning jar. Just about any glass jar can be used for a terrarium.
I bought the supplies at my favorite local gardening center, Wedgewood Gardens. For the jar, I need 1 1/2 bags of potting soil, one bag of activated charcoal, one bag of moss. I also bought plants at the gardening center after shopping around a bit. At the Flower Show, the going rate was $4; my gardening center had them for $3.50. If you wanted to be even more frugal, root a few cuttings from your existing plants and use those which will add another educational component to the project.
My rocks came from Ikea. I bought a bag a few years ago and never used them for whatever project I was thinking of. I estimate I spent around $3 on the rocks. You could use rocks from your garden as long as they were clean since you won’t want outside insects infesting your terrarium. Rocks for fish tanks are another option and may be cheaper than my Ikea rocks.
For decoration, my 4 year old picked out 2 turtles at the gardening center. Instead, we could have checked the Dollar Store for cheaper statues. I’ve also seen them at thrift shops for $.50 or so.
Total cost for the terrarium: @$54.96 with the cookie jar being the most expensive part.
I made the first layer of stones about an inch high.
The second layer – moss.
3rd layer – Activated Charcoal followed by potting soil.
I made my soil layer about 3 to 4 inches deep after looking at the bigger terrariums at the gardening center.
The fun layer – the plants. Remember to use plants that have similar moisture requirements.
Check out my Gardening Page for more information. I’ve also written on using garden space efficiently.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I think I may actually try this next week for spring break. Great activity for us to do with Kevin’s TSS.
What an easy tutorial! I’d love a follow up on ideas for how you are displaying your terrarium in your home!
Heather S. recently posted..Pirate-Inspired Thank You Note
I put mine on our dining room table since the jar is so big. The smaller mason jars could be on window sills or shelves as long as they don’t get too much light.
Question: do think a terrariums is a good way to start for someone how has a brown thumb? I’m interested in eventually doing backyard gardening for our strict diet, but I need to start a bit lower
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I would definitely try it. Make sure the plants have similar requirements and just keep an eye on them in case the inside gets too wet.
Great tutorial, this would be easy for me to do and I do not have a green thumb at all!
I love this! My 8 year old would totally be into this…I’m putting it on her Summer to-do list! Thanks!
This is such a wonderful post! We will definitely be doing this sometime soon!
Lauryn recently posted..Recipes for a Good Old Fondue Date Night
We’ve been talking about making one of these with the kids. It looks so easy! Except the charcoal… I hope I can find that!
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I found my charcoal at the garden center. I don’t think you would have a problem finding it at a local garden center or Home Depot/Lowe’s.
Barb, this is just such a straightforward tutorial and I am really inspired to try this at home! Thank you for sharing your post with us and I hope to welcome you over at Seasonal Celebration again this Wednesday! Rebecca @Natural Mothers Network x
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