How to Make a Take-out Terrarium

Making a terrarium is a good way to bring a bit of nature indoors. This is an activity that can be done almost year-round if you can find some moss to harvest. Moss can usually be found in shady areas. It grows close to the ground and can look soft and cushion-y when there is a lot of it. Harvesting moss is easy. You just need to carefully slide a small shovel or other tool under the moss and lift. It will almost peel away from the soil.

                

Directions for making a “Take-out” Terrarium

You will need:

• A clear plastic take-out container that closes and “snaps” together, sometimes called a clam-shell container (any take-out type container can be used if it has a clear plastic top and a bottom without holes)
• Sand
• Gravel or pebbles
• Charcoal
• Potting soil
• Moss or other small plants
• Spray mister with water
• Plastic utensils (fork/spoon)
• Small items to decorate your terrarium (optional)

Wash and dry the plastic container so that there is no residue from food.

Open the container so that both pieces lie flat on your table.

Decide which part will be the bottom. If one side is deeper than the other, choose it to be your bottom.

Spread a layer of sand to cover the bottom; follow with a layer of gravel; then a layer of charcoal.

        

Gently shake the container to allow everything to settle, but not to completely mix together.

Add a layer of potting soil and mist lightly with water.

You are now ready to add your plants.

Lightly spray the underside of the moss with water. This will help the roots to get started in the terrarium.

Using your plastic utensils like a shovel and rake, place your moss and small plants in the soil.

Mist lightly again and carefully close the container. Before closing it, you may want to add something to make your “landscape” more interesting…like rocks or a figurine.

Place in an area where your terrarium will get some sunlight. After a day, you will notice drops of water forming on the inside of the lid. This will create “rain” for your terrarium. You will need to monitor how much water is forming on the inside of the lid.

If there is too much water, your terrarium plants will not thrive, and everything will get moldy. If necessary, open the terrarium and let it dry out for about a day, then reclose, and observe again. If moldy black areas have already formed, you will need to clean everything out and start again.

If you see that there is no moisture forming on the inside of the lid, you may need to open the lid and lightly mist the plants again. Plants turning brown will also signal not enough moisture.

Be ready for surprises…small critters or seeds may have been hiding in the soil under the moss.

After checking your terrarium for a few days to get things balanced, you will not need to open the lid again! Your terrarium will be self-sustaining, in other words, it will be taking care of itself!

Gardening fun you will have.

- by Mary Lou, Lawrence