DIY- How to make a Terrarium
What is a Terrarium??
The meaning of terrarium is: little world.
A terrarium is a transparent container in which plants are grown in soil. It is tightly fitted with a cover or lid. Glass aquariums, fish globes and candy or fruit jars can be used. In fact, any clear container with a tight-fitting top can be used. If such containers as fish globes are used, the cover should be clear, such as plastic kitchen wrap. The tight cover will prevent the loss of interior humidity. The terrarium is actually a miniature greenhouse.
If moss is used, place it face down in the container so that a fresh green carpet may be seen from the outside. Then arrange your plants and fill in around the roots with good soil and more moss. Natural scenes may be copied from the woods. Use stones for large boulders, a lichen-covered stick for a log, and a seedling evergreen for a tree. Look for plants that mature as tine plants. The margins of ponds and streams and edges of woods are good places to look.
Sand and large pebbles may be used in the bottom of the container instead of moss. This is to make a drainage layer. Above this, spread about an inch of topsoil or potting mix. It is important to sue sterilized soil to reduce the chance of disease. Also, carefully check your plants for insects and diseases before planting.
Small amounts of sterilized soil can usually be purchased from greenhouses, garden centers, or variety stores.
The meaning of terrarium is: little world.
A terrarium is a transparent container in which plants are grown in soil. It is tightly fitted with a cover or lid. Glass aquariums, fish globes and candy or fruit jars can be used. In fact, any clear container with a tight-fitting top can be used. If such containers as fish globes are used, the cover should be clear, such as plastic kitchen wrap. The tight cover will prevent the loss of interior humidity. The terrarium is actually a miniature greenhouse.
If moss is used, place it face down in the container so that a fresh green carpet may be seen from the outside. Then arrange your plants and fill in around the roots with good soil and more moss. Natural scenes may be copied from the woods. Use stones for large boulders, a lichen-covered stick for a log, and a seedling evergreen for a tree. Look for plants that mature as tine plants. The margins of ponds and streams and edges of woods are good places to look.
Sand and large pebbles may be used in the bottom of the container instead of moss. This is to make a drainage layer. Above this, spread about an inch of topsoil or potting mix. It is important to sue sterilized soil to reduce the chance of disease. Also, carefully check your plants for insects and diseases before planting.
Small amounts of sterilized soil can usually be purchased from greenhouses, garden centers, or variety stores.
How to prepare a Terrarium
Materials Needed:
- Jar
- Lid or plastic kitchen wrap or cork for bottles
- Gravel or charcoal for drainage layer
- Plants
- Sterilized soil
- Sand
- Peat
- Sterilized manure
- One level teaspoon of balanced fertilizer such as 16-8-8 should be added to a six-inch pot full of the above mixtures. Regular garden soil is not recommended because it becomes soggy. Any garden soil used should be sterilized to avoid diseases.
All containers and utensils should be sterilized with hot water and detergent. When remaking a form terrarium, wash it thoroughly and rinse with a dilute bleach solution.
Procedure
Wash and dry hands.
Place moss or gravel in jar bottom.
Place soil mix in jar (moist soil).
Firm and make depression to collect water.
Carefully plant specimens:- remove from pot
- shake or wash soil from roots-don’t allow roots to dry in process
- make hole for seedling with pencil or finger
- put roots in hole
- firm soil around roots
Place cover on container and place in indirect light from a window. - remove from pot
