Make a DIY Terrarium

What can we use if we can't find a glass jar and pebbles?

If a clean glass jar or pebbles are hard to find, use a clear plastic food container with a tight lid and substitute aquarium gravel or small clean stones for the 1-inch drainage layer while still following the same steps of adding 2–3 inches of potting soil and planting the small plant.

What should we do if the plant looks squished or the terrarium gets moldy after closing the lid?

If the plant is squished, gently remove it, loosen the roots again, re-press soil around the base, and if mold or excess moisture appears after putting the lid on, remove the lid to air it out, blot extra water from the soil, and rely on the 1-inch pebble drainage plus light misting with the spray bottle.

How can I adapt this terrarium activity for different ages?

For younger children have an adult prewash the jar, measure and pour the 1-inch pebble and 2–3 inch soil layers, and let the child add the plant and decorations, while older kids can remove plants from their nursery pot, gently loosen roots themselves, choose whether to use succulents and leave the lid off, and manage misting with the spray bottle.

How can we make the terrarium more interesting or longer-lasting?

To enhance and personalize the terrarium, add a thin layer of activated charcoal between the pebbles and potting soil to keep it fresh, include tiny stones or a toy as decorations from the instructions, label the jar with care notes, and then share a photo and what you learned on DIY.org.