Making a Family Terrarium

It is always nice to spend quality time with your children. Why not make a terrarium with the kids. It is a wonderful project to do together and it will only take about 30 minutes to complete. Below low are the instructions for a terrarium according to the April 2010 issue of Better Homes and Garden Magazine:

1. Find a container. Almost any glass or plastic container such as a Mason jar, fish bowl, or soda bottle can be used. Clean it well. if you use a soda bottle, cut off just the lower third to use as the container, and keep the upper section as a lid.

2. Add the components together. Cover the bottom of the container with a 1-inch layer of pebbles for drainage. Add a thin layer (about 1/4 inch) of activated charcoal (available where aquarium supplies are sold) to filter water, and then place 2-3 inch layer of dirt in the container.

3. Start planting. Grow plants from seed, or use clippings from a houseplant. (Ferns, begonias, cacti, succulents, and moss grow well in terrariums.) Dig a small how for each plant, place it, and cover roots with soil. Water your terrarium, and place lid or cap on the container. The closed container will create a growth atmosphere: Water in the soil will eventually form droplets on the inside of the container. They will get heavy, fall like rain, and continue the process. If this doesn't happen then add water.