This is a fun activity for kids of all ages—right now there is a ‘terrarium trend’ & hundreds of pre-made kits & sets are available on sites like Etsy. However, it can be a really great tool for teaching kids about the cycles & make-up of our environment. By collecting living samples and specimen from your own backyard and local parks, you can offer a replica of the world around you that can be watched for years to come. Adding a friendly caterpillar, toad, or bug can be a great way to help your little biologist get a feel for the outside world.
Materials
Organic matter: mixing equal parts sphagnum moss, potting soil & sand is great. A mix that retains some moisture has good drainage, & a small amount of nutrition is perfect & could be accomplished many ways. Keep in mind what type of landscape you hope to sustain—woodland plants need different soil than arid or desert style terrariums.
note~consider sterilizing your soil if you bring it in from outside to make sure you’re not inviting unexpected critters! Simply bake at 200degrees for 3+ hours to be certain.
Tools: Long handled spoon, scissors, needle nose pliers, paint brush, straw.
‘Nature’ Materials: For a woodland scene, collect pinecones, sticks, stones, lichen, and mosses—even ferns & things can be great terrarium plants. During the winter months it might be difficult to find these, but it’s fun to search—even if some snow excavation is required! Take a hike, scour the yard & be sure to include the children; this may be the best part & a great time to notice nature’s details! Pebbles can be found outside or purchase from a craft or gardening store. Here we used some from our last beach trip collection.
1. Layer the ground materials:
a. First, put the pebbles in the bottom—these work as a filtration system & help keep the water ‘sweet’ and fresh.
b. Next, add the mix of all the ‘dirt’ (sphagnum moss, potting soil, sand). At this point you can try to create a hill, valley, or other types of terrain.
2. Add the ‘found’ or purchased plants!
a. For the woodland style container use needle nose pliers to arrange. Ours includes these found objects: Lichen, Moss, a pinecone and a stick.
b. For a terrarium using low-light plants or succulents—take the plant/s out of the pot & shake off as much of the potting soil as possible being gentle with the roots. Plant.
3. Arrange: Using miniatures of any kind is a great way to make your ‘environment’ more inviting. Like a pagoda! Or make a clothespin person that represents your child/children. Paint a rock! Little houses, gnomes, even laundry lines are available online & in the dollhouse section of craft stores.
4. Don’t forget to (minimally) water. Using a straw & the power of thumb suction works great. Don’t add too much, and watch over time—leaving the lid off for periods can help balance out the moisture if need be.
5. Clean up the walls & decorations with a paintbrush.
6. Put a lid on it or cover with saran wrap.
7. Enjoy!
Note~ condensation & fog are completely normal. Use these different occurrences as a learning opportunity. How are these phenomena played out in our own world?
Lacey Grim is a stay-at-home mom in Greensboro, North Carolina. She spends her days exploring, learning, and enjoying life with her husband and 2 little girls. Music, crafts, farming, gardening, homeschooling, living a vintage-esque life and picking up new hobbies is how she spends most of her time. Lacey keeps up a blog, Turtles To Start, & an Etsy store, Gremlina Vintage & Handmade Goods.