Terrariums

By Mary Jo Baur

If you're itching to do something "gardeny", you might consider creating a terrarium since it's still too early to be starting seeds.  A terrarium holds plants in a clear enclosed container.  You can make one using succulents or perhaps make a mini-woodland scene with small plants you might find in the forest.  Do not place the container in direct sun or you will "cook" the plant material.  Choose houseplants that are small and don't need much sunlight.

In order to create the self-sustaining environment of a terrarium, you need to lay the proper foundation by starting with a layer of pea gravel, 1 to 3 inches deep depending on the size of your container.  Then add a thin lyer of activated charcoal which will take care of any plant decomposition. A layer of sphagnum moss comes next, then some potting soil.  This final layer can be contoured with small hills and valleys if you want.  Now you are ready to plant.  Dig small holes and remove the plants from their pots, loosen the roots, then add to the terrarium.  It's best not to have the leaves touching the sides of the glass.  Water your new creation, but then only water it about once a week because the plants will create moisture which collects on the inside of the container and drips down to water the plants.  It's nice to have a touch of green indoors during the winter, or any time, for that matter.