Hello, my green-thumb friends! I recently found a great event at our local shopping center: a free workshop on how to make terrariums. Believe me when I say it’s like growing a garden in a jar. It’s so cute and doesn’t need much care. I had been wanting to do this craft for a long time and was thrilled when I finally got the chance. In this post, I’ll explain what gardens in jars are and show you how to make your own. Let’s get our hands dirty!.
Terrariums are miniature indoor gardens enclosed in glass containers. They allow you to craft a tiny lush oasis or whimsical scene right on your desk or windowsill.
Terrariums are often compared to aquariums filled with plants rather than fish. With just a few key steps you can build your own glass-encased garden universe.
Selecting Plants and Containers
The enclosed environment of a terrarium mimics a greenhouse You want to choose plants that will thrive together
Some options are:
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Succulents and cacti – These drought-tolerant plants need less water. Try mixing different shapes and colors for visual interest.
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Ferns, ivies, mosses – These prefer humid conditions. Add moss as groundcover.
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Tropical plants – Miniature tropicals like baby’s tears or polka dot plants suit closed terrariums.
The glass container helps regulate temperature and humidity for the plants inside.
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Open containers work best for cacti and succulents.
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Closed containers with lids maintain humidity better for ferns and tropicals.
Upcycle glass jars, bowls, vases or aquariums of any size to build your terrarium. Scale plants to fit the container so they don’t outgrow the space.
Layering Your Landscape
Part of a terrarium’s beauty comes from seeing the layers of materials inside.
Start with a 1-2 inch layer of pebbles or gravel for drainage. Then add a thin layer of charcoal to filter the soil and prevent mold growth.
Next comes 2-3 inches of potting mix. Scoop out depressions to place your plants so their roots have soil contact.
Finally, add decorative elements like small rocks, moss patches or figurines to bring your mini landscape to life. Spritz plants with water using a spray bottle when needed.
Terrarium Inspiration
There are endless possibilities when it comes to designing your own enclosed garden.
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Recreate a miniature rainforest scene with lush ferns and tropical plants. Add moss-covered stones and branches.
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Craft an imaginative fairy garden vignette with mini pinecones, mushrooms and figurines.
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Grow a desert landscape with cacti, succulents and rocks.
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Try an underwater theme with blue-colored gravel and decorations.
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Use air plants mounted on wood or stones instead of planted ones. Mist them frequently.
Terrariums make great gifts, centerpieces, or educational projects for kids. Display them in natural light, out of direct sun. The self-contained environment only needs occasional watering and lasts for years.
Unleash your creativity and enjoy nurturing your own tiny plant oasis inside glass! Building a terrarium connects you to nature while adding green to your indoor space.
Step 6: Shower Your Garden (with Water)
Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil. You don’t want to drown your plants, just give them a nice, gentle shower. This mimics a self-sustaining cycle inside your terrarium.
What on Earth Are Gardens in Jars?
Gardens in jars, or as they’re officially known, terrariums, are miniature ecosystems that live inside glass containers. They’re a wonderful way to bring a piece of nature indoors, and they require minimal care. Scientists say that Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, a famous botanist, came up with the idea of terrariums in 1842. He accidentally discovered that plants thrived inside sealed glass jars while studying moths. Thank you, Mr. Ward, for this brilliant idea!.
Mini Garden In A Jar
How To Make a Beginner Terrarium!
FAQ
What is a plant in a glass container called?
What is a garden in a glass bowl called?
Do plants grow well in glass containers?
How do you make a mini garden in a jar?
What plants can you grow in a glass container?
The following are suitable plants you can grow in a glass container: Believe it or not, ferns make the best plants to grow in a container. Here are the reasons why: Examples of ferns to grow are Rabbits Foot, Bolbitis, Eyelash fern, heart fern, Silver lace fern, Button fern, maidenhair ferns as well as others.
What are the Best Container gardening ideas for small spaces?
One of the best way to add a splash of color to our otherwise dull homes is using flowering plants. Container gardening makes it possible even with the smallest of spaces such as balconies, porches, patio, and indoors. But knowing or finding creative container gardening ideas for small spaces isn’t always easy.
How do you use glass jars for plants?
Closed vessels such as bottles, bowls, and vases for tabletop terrariums work best with moisture-loving plants. As for open glass containers, you can easily include plants that prefer drier conditions. There are three main ways to use glass jars and other vessels for plant growth. As glass pots and planters, with plants put directly into a medium.