How to Make a Simple Mason Jar Terrarium

Making a Mason Jar Terrarium: It's Easier Than You Think!

Hey there! Want to create something beautiful and fun? Try making a mason jar terrarium! It's like having a tiny garden inside a jar. Seriously, it's easier than it sounds. This guide will walk you through it, step-by-step.

Choosing Your Jar and Gathering Supplies

First, grab a mason jar. A regular mouth one works great, but a wide-mouth jar gives you more room to play. Think about the size and shape – a tall, skinny jar is perfect for some plants, while a short, wide one is better for others. Make sure it's clean!

Now, gather your supplies. You'll need:

• A clean, dry mason jar
• Activated charcoal (a little bit, maybe a tablespoon or two – it helps prevent mold)
• Potting mix (get the kind made for terrariums, it holds water better)
• Drainage layer (small pebbles, gravel, or even broken bits of pottery)
• Plants that like humidity and low light (more on that below!)
• Tweezers (for gently placing the plants)
• Small gardening tools (a tiny spoon works great)
• Optional: Fun stuff like moss, little figurines, or pretty rocks

Picking the Perfect Plants

This is important! Choose plants that love humidity and don't need tons of light. Think of it like a rainforest in a jar. Here are some good choices:

• Fittonia (Nerve Plant): These have super cool veins on their leaves!
• Peperomia: So many varieties, tons of colors and textures, and they're easy to care for.
• Selaginella (Spikemoss): A pretty groundcover.
• Miniature ferns: Delicate and beautiful.
• Pilea involucrata (Friendship Plant): Cool textured leaves.
• Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii): This one spreads quickly and makes a lush carpet.

Avoid plants that grow super fast or get too big. Do a little research on each plant to make sure it'll be happy in your jar.

Let's Build Your Terrarium!

1. Drainage first: Add a layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom. This helps with drainage so your plants don't get soggy.
2. Activated charcoal: Sprinkle some charcoal on top of the pebbles. It'll absorb extra water and keep mold away.
3. Potting mix: Add about an inch or two of terrarium potting mix. Don't pack it down too much.
4. Plant time! Gently plant your chosen plants. Use the tweezers to carefully place them and cover their roots with the potting mix.
5. Decorate (optional): Add moss, rocks, or little figurines to make it look even better.
6. Water gently: Use a spray bottle to water your terrarium. Let any extra water drain out.

Keeping Your Terrarium Happy

Once it's made, you need to take care of it! Here's how:

• Watering: Only water when the soil feels dry. Overwatering is bad news.
• Sunlight: Indirect sunlight is best. Direct sunlight will burn your plants.
• Ventilation: A little bit of air circulation helps prevent mold. A slightly loose lid can work.
• Cleaning: Keep an eye out for mold or dead leaves. Remove them right away.
• Pruning: Sometimes you'll need to trim your plants to keep them from getting too big.

Troubleshooting

Even the best-laid plans… Sometimes things go wrong. Here's what to do:

• Mold: Remove it and improve ventilation.
• Yellow leaves: Too much water or not enough light. Adjust accordingly.
• Wilting plants: They need more water!

Beyond the Basics

Once you've made one, you'll want to make more! Try different plants, decorations, or even create layered terrariums. The possibilities are endless! It's a fun hobby that lets your creativity bloom. Have fun experimenting!

Enjoy your amazing new terrarium!