How To Build Your Own Terrarium – Ag Matters

There's going to be lots of down time for the kids in the coming days.  Lake Effect Snow, bitterly cold temperatures and President's Day all come within the next week, so here's a way to kill some time and add some beauty to your home.  Build your own terrarium with help from the Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Terrariums date back 2,500 years ago. They are believed to have originated in the United States, in New England area where housewives placed small berry plants in hand-blown glass bowls. Dr. N. B. Ward, a 19th century London physician, is believed to be the inventor of totally enclosed glass cases. These glass cases were called "Wardian Cases" and featured delicate plants decorating many homes of the period. Today, terrariums are referred as miniature gardens in glass.

For the container, be as elaborate as you want, or simply use old glass bowls or even fish tanks. Use a loose, loamy houseplant soil mix (not garden soil or a soil that packs too tightly). Select plants that are slow growing, so your terrarium creation will last longer. Consider planting a "dry" terrarium of succulent plants or cacti.

For more information and suggestions for what plants to use contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County’s Horticulture Hot Line at 736-3394, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

You can purchase some DIY kits and get some great ideas from Teresab123's page on Etsy.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension