Soda Bottle Terrarium
[30 Minutes]
A terrarium is a small garden that is enclosed in a container. Terrariums can be purchased already planted or you can make your own. When you make your own terrarium it is a good idea to make sure the soil is well drained and loose. It is also helpful to arrange your plants outside the terrarium before you plant them. If your terrarium will be viewed from all sides, you may wish to place larger plants in the middle and the smaller ones along the sides. If your terrarium is viewed from one side, you may wish to plant tall plants in the back and the small ones in front. Be creative and make your own terrarium of out a clear plastic soda bottle.
You'll need:
• two-liter clear plastic soda bottle (the kind that comes apart into two sections) • scissors • potting soil • small plants or seeds • rocks • spoon
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
- With your child, gather everything you’ll need.
- Take a two-liter plastic soda bottle, the kind that comes apart into two sections, and remove the bottom by filling it with very hot water.
- Use the scissors and help your child cut off the neck of the bottle.
- Invite her to spoon potting soil into the portion of the container that she removed.
- Encourage her to choose some seeds or small plants, rocks, and figures to arrange in the soil.
- Water well.
- Place the plastic top; cut side down, into the container holding the soil and plants. This mini-greenhouse needs watering only two or three times a month.
How to use:
Be sure to include a tag with instructions for its care if you are giving it as a gift.
Useful information:
The presence of relatively high humidity is what allows seeds to grow and plants to thrive in a terrarium. When the terrarium is watered, the humidity is maintained because the terrarium in enclosed. Terrariums in clear containers allow light to enter and