Make a crudite terrarium

What can we use if we don't have a jar or hummus?

If you don't have a jar for the 'soil' layer you can use a clear plastic cup or small bowl, and instead of hummus spoon in thick Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a thick bean dip as the base.

My herb sprigs keep falling over or the hummus is too runny — how can I fix that?

If herbs fall over after you 'spoon a thick layer of hummus' and 'smooth and flatten' it, pat the herbs and veggies dry, chill or drain the hummus to thicken it, press the sprigs deeper into the hummus, or secure them with toothpicks.

How can we adapt the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children have an adult complete the 'ask an adult to cut the carrots, cucumber and bell pepper' step and let them do the rinsing, patting, pressing herbs, and arranging slices, while older kids can design complex patterns, use small cookie cutters, and build toothpick sculptures before putting the lid on.

How can we extend or personalize our crudite terrarium?

Personalize it by layering different hummus flavors or purees for colored 'soil,' pressing cucumber or bell pepper slices against the glass for decorative rings, arranging olives and cherry tomatoes into scenes or 'flowers,' adding sesame seeds or chopped nuts for texture, labeling the lid, and then put the lid on and take a photo to share.