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Garden Center
Terrarium Guide
Terrariums are small, self-contained gardens. They are typically composed of miniature varieties of plants and create their own scene. It is not difficult to put them together, and each one is unique. There are a variety of containers one can use to make them - closed or open.
Materials Required
- Glass container
- Odd number of plants (odds are more aesthetically pleasing)
- Small stones/decorative rocks
- Horticultural charcoal
- Potting soil
- Colored Sand (optional)
- Moss (optional)
- Mini accessories (optional)
- All-purpose water soluble fertilizer (optional)
Directions
- Place 1-3 layers of decorative rocks and/or sand on the bottom of the container. (Marble, glass beads, or other materials that allow good drainage may also be used)
- Add a layer of horticultural charcoal. The charcoal will help absorb and filter the fumes and smells from the decomposing plant material.
- Add a well-draining potting mix. Quick-draining soil will keep the plants from sitting in water.
- Add your plants into the soil to create the scene. Be sure to group plants with similar water, light, and soil needs. Prune when needed to keep plants in scale with the container.
- Additional mini accessories can transform your terrarium into a beautiful story.
You can also use your terrarium to house a collection of plants not directly planted into the soil of the container’. Surround them with moss and your terrarium can easily change.
Caring for your terrarium
Check on your terrarium daily. If the soil is dry, water at the base of each plant. If you can see water sitting among the rocks, it doesn’t need to be watered. If you choose to fertilize, it is best done lightly in early spring.
Call us if you have questions at any step in the process, or if you’d like to host a terrarium party at one of our Garden Centers!