Creating a Miniature, Lush Garden under Glass

Building a terrarium is fun way to garden indoors throughout the winter!

First, you’ll need these items:

Succulent terrarium

• A clean glass vessel- any shape or size will work as long as you can fit your fingers through the opening

• Activated charcoal

• Sheet moss

• Potting soil

• Polished pebbles or small rocks

• Plants

• Accessories

To begin, consider what types of plants you wish to grow. If you prefer sculptural succulents, then locate your terrarium in a bright area close to a window, but never in full sun. Since succulents prefer drier conditions, an open-top terrarium is perfect for their needs. Easy to grow succulents include: echevarias, sedums, haworthias and kalanchoes. If you would rather create a more tropical terrarium, choose one with a closed top so that you can maintain a high humidity and place it in a shady location that gets indirect light. Various small ferns, mosses, peperomias and orchids will do especially well in this setting. Regardless of the plants you choose, pick ones that have similar environmental needs.

 Assembling your Terrarium

Place a layer of charcoal, then a layer of potting soil on the bottom. The depth of the drainage and soil should be about 1/3 the overall height of the terrarium. Remember- since terrariums do not have drainage holes, you should never water heavily. Very light watering or misting is best for your plants. Place your plants and cover portions of the soil surface with moss or polished pebbles. Adding little figurines or other accessories makes a terrarium even more charming. Get creative!

With winter howling around us outside, put your green thumb to work creating a lovely, lush terrarium you can enjoy inside.