I have this ongoing bucket list of things that I want to get done this summer and my friend helped me with my list, feel free to drop by her blog at https://horticulturalnut.wordpress.com/. I actually make a list every year, and I feel like this year I might have bitten off a bit more than I can chew.
Oh well. It happens to the rest of us. I haven’t been spending as much time in my container garden as I should have, because I’ve been busy trying to get ready for my big crazy trip to Europe in a couple of weeks! Though I will have someone coming over to take care of my feline and water my plants, I couldn’t find someone who was quite competent enough to take care of seedlings, so I’m going to have to wait until I get back to start my winter garden. In the meantime though, I’ve decided to add a bit more chaos to my pot and make my very own terrarium!
I’ve always wanted to make one, it’s been on the bucket list for ages, and I have no idea why I haven’t decided to actually make one until now because they’re actually ridiculously easy to make! You don’t need an environmental science degree (though think about the kick-ass terrarium you could build if you had one!), and you don’t need to be a botanist! All you need is a wee bit of imagination, and a few directions, and you’re well on your way to creating your very own miniature earth environment.
Okay, so first things first, you need to know what you’re going to plant your little garden in. I’m a big fan of fish bowl-like containers myself, but you can really use anything your little heart desires, as long as it’s clear of course because the whole point is to see the different layers. It’s a decorative piece. Flower vases are great too, but remember, because this is going to be a part of the decor, the more interesting it looks the better. Next, grab yourself some pebbles. I just head outside to my neighbors’ garden on the ground floor, she’s wonderful. You only need about an inch, enough to just cover the bottom of your container. This is your drainage level.
The next thing you’re going to want is a bit of charcoal. I’m not entirely sure what this is supposed to do, I’m not a scientist. But it looks cool and it’s supposed to be in there, so in it goes! This is just a thin layer, not as thick as the layer of pebbles beneath it. Next, you’re going to put in some soil. Now, the soil is supposed to be deep enough that it takes up roughly 25% of the container. Next, you’re going to plant some miniature variety plants, not plants that are going to take over the whole house! Pick one that is hearty and make sure you arrange them in a really interesting manner so it catches someone’s eye. Finally pour in just enough water to moisten the soil. If you pour in too much, you can cause the plants to start rotting, and you don’t want to do that. So it’s better if the plants and soil are a tad too dry than too moist. And there you have it, your very own terrarium! Have fun!
