Now that things are in full bloom and green again, it’s the perfect time to plant a summer terrarium with your kids. You can get everything you need for this project from your local nursery or hardware store, but you’ll have more fun if you find it from what you already have in your house and backyard.
Here are a few tips on how to make your own terrarium:
Find an interesting empty glass or plastic transparent container
Clean and dry the container. A nice mason jar or old glass vase will do the trick. Containers with larger openings will be easier to set up. Find a sealable container if you plan on housing critters in your terrarium (crickets, lizards, frogs, etc).
Use small rocks
Gather enough gravel or river rocks to put a layer on the bottom of your container. This will help with water drainage and storage for your terrarium.
Use dried moss, mulch, sponge or something equivalent
When you put this layer into the jar, make sure it’s saturated, but not drenched with water.
Good dirt
Nutrient rich potting soil mixed with the native plant soil is ideal. Add a couple inches of dirt.
Terrarium plants
The smaller the better. Remember, it needs to fit into the container, preferably without touching the sides of the container. Ideas include: Maranta (red-veined prayer plant), Pothos, small ferns, club moss, creeping fig and even lucky bamboo! Give everything room to breathe. Wipe the sides of the jar. You want to make sure there isn’t any dirt or grime on the glass. Give your jar about 24 hours to breathe and adjust, make sure the soil is moist, then if you’re going to seal it, now’s the time. Put your terrarium in a place that will get decent, but not full sun and enjoy.
Accessorize!
Use little figurines, plastic toys, knick-knacks, or whatever you find in your kitchen drawer. Put them in your terrarium for extra personalization!
Terrariums make great presents for those hard-to-shop-for relatives. It is also a mindful gift that shows you really put time and effort in creating. If you need more help, watch this VIDEO.
There are countless fun crafting activities to keep you busy this summer. What are you and your family getting into this summer? Do you have any crafty ideas to share with the Mindful commUNITY? Email them to us here!