Use Recycled Glass Jars to Create A DIY Terrarium
Terrariums come in all shapes and sizes, so why not create your own DIY terrarium using recycled glass jars or similar recycled glass containers.
DIY Terrariums Using Recycled Glass Jars
Terrariums and glass jars go great together, as you can easily create an enclosed terrarium environment using a recycled glass jar and its lid. You can also create open terrariums if you don’t have the lid handy.
DIY Glass Jar Terrariums are a cheap and easy way to create your own DIY terrarium garden at home. Glass jar terrariums look great on the kitchen counter or window sill and are a fun and easy activity that can be shared with friends and family.
What You Will Need: Terrarium Building Materials
Recycled Glass Jars
Clean up your recycled glass jars by soaking them in hot water and dishwashing liquid. This will help slide off sticky labels and leave you with clean and shiny glass jars, perfect for DIY glass jar terrariums.
Soil or Growing Medium
You will need a bit of soil in your terrarium unless you are planning on using air plants or succulents/plants that are able to grow on stones and other surfaces. You can also utilise other growing mediums depending on the plants you are looking to grow.
Stones, Pebbles, Rocks
Stones, pebbles, and rocks make for great feature items in your terrarium and accompany small plants perfectly.
Small Plants
Succulents and small ferns work great in terrariums. If you can get your hands on some moss, you can add some to your terrarium to create a lush green mini garden. Air plants are another great alternative for terrariums, requiring very little maintenance.
Activated Charcoal
Not always necessary depending on how often you plan on opening and cleaning your terrarium, but great if you are planning on closing the lid. Activated charcoal keeps bacteria under control.
Chopsticks, Tongs or Scissors
Some jars have pretty narrow openings. Use chopsticks, tongs or scissors to carefully place your plants and other items when the opening of your glass jar terrarium is narrow.
Step by Step Guide to Making Glass Jar Terrariums
Step 1 – Clean Up Your Glass Jars and Containers
Dishwashing liquid, hot water, and a good soaking generally do the trick.
Step 2 – Bottom Layer of Rocks and Pebbles
Generally, it is best to start your bottom layer with stones, pebbles, and small rocks. This provides a reservoir for water to drain into should there be any excess.
Step 3 – Activated Charcoal
Add a small layer of activated charcoal if you want to keep bacteria in check. Not necessary, but it does help. Add another layer of moss or some stones and pebbles to avoid the soil and activated charcoal mixing.
Step 4 – Add Soil or Growing Medium.
Add a layer of soil or your choice of growing medium into your terrarium. Be careful not to get soil on the sides of your container or glass jar as it can be a pain to clean up when you are done (use a tissue to gently wipe away any soil on the glass). It is generally best to use an indoor potting soil mix in your terrarium, particularly as it generally contains some nutrients to sustain your plants.
Step 5 – Plant Your Terrarium Plants
Now that you have your soil in place, it’s time to start planting. Use your finger to create planter holes in the soil and gently place each plant in your desired position. Play around with different layouts until you are happy with the look of your terrarium. Try not to overcrowd, as you want to leave some room for growth.
Step 6 – Add Stones, Pebbles, Moss and Feature Items
Add stones, pebbles, and lay down moss around your terrarium to create an interesting aesthetic. Or leave these out entirely and fill your terrarium to the brim with plants.
Step 7 – Spray with Water and Close the Lid
You will want to give your plants a good spray with some filtered water (especially if you are using moss, as chlorine and other chemicals can cause moss to brown). Don’t overdo it, but do make sure there is enough water in there to keep those plants happy. If you are creating a closed terrarium, place your lid on the glass jar or container.
Step 8 – Place In The Right Position
Depending on the plants you have in your new terrarium, you will want to place them carefully. Avoid hot and dry areas, and ensure your terrariums are getting some light. Filtered light usually works best, though succulents often enjoy a bit more sun.
