Too much snow?

Garden in miniature. Terrarium gardens help relieve the stress from all that white stuff.
Here’s a recipe.

Terrarium Supplies:

• Glass jar with wide-enough opening to get your hand in
• Gravel or small stones – enough to fill bottom of jar to 1 inch depth – about a thumb
• Sphagnum moss
• Gardener’s charcoal – same amount as gravel
• Potting soil – enough to bring the soil level about 1/3 to 1/2 way up the jar.
• Small plants that thrive in warm, moist environment
• Miniature ornaments to complete the natural scene.

Some plants are better for terrariums because of small leaf forms and a preference for high humidity.

Making the Terrarium (The Steps)

1. Put a one inch layer of stones in the bottom of your jar.
2. Next place a thin layer of sphagnum moss to keep the soil from filling the spaces between stones.
3. Now add the charcoal to help filter decaying leaves.
4. Fill the container about 1/4 full of potting soil.
5. Remove the 2 – 3 plants from their plastic pots and arrange them in your terrarium. Not too packed! Plants need room to grow.
6. Move the plants around looking for a design you like.
7. Once you decide you like it, add potting soil around the plants and gently tap it down so it is firm and the plants are supported.
8. Water gently until the stones are covered with water.
9. Cover your jar with wax paper and a rubber band. Add a pretty bow if it’s a gift!
10. Put the terrarium in a place with moderate or occasional sunlight.

Caring for Your Terrarium

As beads of water form (or condense) under the paper, your plants will enjoy “rain”. If no water forms after a day, open the terrarium and add a little more water. A terrarium is really easy to care for. Look at the bottom of the terrarium. If there is water among the stones then you should not water it for a few days. As the plants grow, you’ll want to give them a “trim” occasionally with sharp scissors to keep them to size.