Step 2: Add the Soil

Add a couple of inches of organic potting soil on top of the rocks or seashells in the glass jar. Make sure to add enough soil so that the roots of your plants will be covered.

What you will need:

- empty glass jar with lid
- organic potting soil
- rocks or seashells
- several small plants or succulents
- spray bottle full of water

Step 1: Prepare the Terrarium

Remove the label from the jar, then thoroughly clean and dry it. We used a large pickle jar and a small jar that held canned fruit. However, you can use any size jar that is large enough to house the plants that you will be planting.

Next, add a small layer or rocks or seashells for drainage on the bottom of the glass jar. We used seashells because we live in a tropical climate. However, you can use rocks, pebbles or even gravel.

Step 2: Add the Soil

Add a couple of inches of organic potting soil on top of the rocks or seashells in the glass jar. Make sure to add enough soil so that the roots of your plants will be covered.

Step 3: Add the Plants

Since we live in a tropical climate, my son and I took a walk around our neighborhood and collected several small tropical plant and succulent off-shoots. You can collect plants and moss that are indigenous to your area, or pick up a few plants at your local farmer’s market.

Step 4: Water the Terrarium

Using a spray bottle, spray the inside of your terrarium with water until the soil is moist. When the inside walls of the terrarium are free from droplets, spray the inside of the terrarium down again.

Step 5: Give the Plants Light

Place your terrarium in an area of your home that receives either direct or in-direct sunlight (depending on the what the plants inside your terrarium require.)