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Build a mini terrarium using a clear jar, soil, small plants, and decorations to learn about ecosystems, moisture cycles, and plant care.
About this activity
Build a mini terrarium using a clear jar, soil, small plants, and decorations to learn about ecosystems, moisture cycles, and plant care.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all Materials Needed and bring them to a clean workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Wash and dry the clear jar and lid so your terrarium starts clean.
- 3
Step 3
Pour small rocks or pebbles into the bottom of the jar to make a drainage layer about one quarter full.
- 4
Step 4
Spoon potting soil into the jar to make a planting bed that is about twice as deep as the pebble layer.
- 5
Step 5
Use a chopstick to make small planting holes in the soil where each plant will go.
- 6
Step 6
Gently remove one small plant from its pot by tipping the pot and easing the roots out.
- 7
Step 7
Loosen the plant’s roots gently with your fingers so they can spread in the soil.
- 8
Step 8
Place the plant into a hole and press soil around its roots to hold it upright.
- 9
Step 9
Add tiny decorations and more small stones on the soil surface to make your terrarium look fun.
- 10
Step 10
Lightly mist the soil and plants with the spray bottle until the soil is just slightly damp.
- 11
Step 11
Put the lid on the jar to create a little greenhouse and trap moisture inside.
- 12
Step 12
Set the terrarium in a spot with bright indirect light but not direct hot sun.
- 13
Step 13
Check your terrarium each day to look for condensation inside the jar.
- 14
Step 14
If you see lots of heavy condensation or water pooling, remove the lid for one hour to let excess moisture escape.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished terrarium and what you learned about ecosystems and moisture cycles on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I build a mini terrarium for kids?
To build a mini terrarium, start with a clean clear jar. Add a drainage layer of small pebbles, then a thin layer of activated charcoal to keep smells away. Add a few inches of potting soil, make small holes and plant your tiny plants or moss. Arrange decorations with tweezers, mist lightly with water, and seal or leave the jar partially open depending on the plants. Place in bright, indirect light and observe moisture cycles and growth.
What materials do I need to build a mini terrarium?
You’ll need a clear glass jar with a lid (or open container), small pebbles or gravel, activated charcoal (optional), potting soil, small plants like moss or tiny ferns/succulents, and decorative items such as small figurines or shells. Also have tools like a spoon, tweezers, spray bottle for misting, and gloves. Choose non-toxic plants if children might touch or sample the soil.
What ages is a mini terrarium activity suitable for?
Mini terrariums are great for kids of many ages. Ages 4–6 can help with pouring pebbles and choosing decorations with close adult supervision. Ages 7–12 can assemble plants and soil more independently and learn about ecosystems. Teens can experiment with plant types and microclimates. Always supervise sharp tools or small parts, and adapt tasks to match a child’s motor skills and attention span.
What are the benefits and safety tips for making mini terrariums?
Building terrariums teaches about ecosystems, moisture cycles, responsibility, and observation skills while improving fine motor control. It’s calming and encourages curiosity about plants. For safety, avoid small choking hazards for young children, wear gloves when handling soil, wash hands afterward, and choose non-toxic plants. Supervise use of glass jars and tools, and keep terrariums out of reach of very young children or pets that might dig or chew them.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a clear jar or a spray bottle for the terrarium?
If you don't have a clear jar, use a clean clear plastic food container or a recycled clear plastic bottle with a secure lid, and if you lack a spray bottle, gently moisten the soil with a dampened paper towel or a small cup and dropper during the misting step.
What should we do if the plants look soggy or there's too much water inside the jar after sealing it?
Follow the instructions to remove the lid for one hour to let excess moisture escape, then lightly blot any pooled water with a paper towel and reduce future misting so the soil stays only slightly damp.
How can we change the activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger kids, pre-measure the pebble and soil layers and let them place plants and decorations, while older kids can design layered drainage patterns, choose a variety of small plants, and record moisture and condensation changes daily.
What are simple ways to personalize or extend the terrarium project after it's finished?
Add tiny decorations and labeled plant markers on the soil surface, try themed scenes with small figurines, or track ecosystem changes and share photos and observations on DIY.org as the terrarium matures.