DIY TERRARIUM
Overview
Build your very own terrarium with Kayla from the Baltimore County Public Library.
Introduction
Introduction
Today we are going to create our own indoor terrariums! You can build one very easily with things you find in your yard or even out on a walk! This project is perfect for children or adults of any age but would be better suited for more of the elementary age kiddos.
Learning Element
Learning Element
This is an enclosed terrarium that has been active for about six months. Once all the materials were inside and it was constructed, the lid has not been removed and it survives on a continuous water condensation cycle. The science of how it works is simple. Once everything is inside your terrarium, water it just enough to get the soil a little moist. After the lid is on and it is in a sunny place with lots of light, it survives on the evaporated moisture in the soil that rises to the top as a result of the increased temperatures from the sunlight. Once enough water accumulates at the top of the terrarium, it forms water droplets that are heavy enough to fall back down onto the plants just like rain and into the soil to water the plants and start the cycle all over again.
This project is great not only for fun, but for parents/guardians completing online learning at home it’s a great science project to learn more about the life cycle of plants, evaporation and experiment with keeping plants alive.
Supplies
Supplies Needed:
Here is what you will need to get started:
-A clear sealable jar or container. A well-cleaned pasta jar with the label removed is a perfect beginner terrarium container.
-pebbles or small rocks for the gravel layer. You will need enough to make about an inch worth of gravel in your container (depending on size)
-enough dirt to cover the gravel layer. You will need about 3-4 times as much dirt as the gravel layer
-moss and other plants you are interested in using. For terrariums, the best types of plants are ones that stay very small and require little maintenance like a mini ivy plant or small ferns.
-water for your plants
-any decorations (metal/plastic) that you want to add to your creation
Assembly
Assembling:
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it is now time to assemble the terrariums.
First, we are going add the gravel layer. Again, this is very important for drainage and will make sure that the soil & plants do not get over watered.
The next layer is the soil layer. This is where most of the water will accumulate.
Next, we will add our plants and in my case moss. When collecting moss, take a small shovel and scoop it up trying not to disturb the grass and area around it.
After the moss, you can add any decorations. This terrarium has a couple little stones to jazz it up. You can add little figures, LEGOs or pretty much anything metal, wooden or plastic that won’t deteriorate immediately.
After that, simply water your terrarium with a small amount of water. We want to be careful not to overwater it, otherwise it will keep too much water inside the container.
The last step is to put the lid on tightly and place in a sunny, well-lit area. If you notice that over time the plants seem to be losing their nice green color, you can take the lid off and add more water to its evaporation cycle. Congratulations! You have now made a self-sustaining terrarium. Thank you so much for joining me today! You can find resources like this and more on our website www.bcpl.info. See you next time!