Some gardens live in the wild. Others live on windowsills.
And some—quiet, magical, improbable—live in jars.
There’s something timeless about a terrarium. Like a secret world behind glass, it asks only for a little light, a little mist, and a little faith. A mossy slope. A curled fern. A pebble path that might, just might, lead somewhere unseen.
And the best part? You can build one with your own two hands—using what you already have or what you gather on your next slow walk outdoors.
This is your gentle guide to making a tiny ecosystem that reminds you:
Even in a glass world, green things find a way to grow.
What You’ll Need
For an open terrarium (desert/dry plants):
A wide-mouthed glass container (mason jar, vase, bowl, etc.)
Gravel or pebbles
Activated charcoal (optional, for drainage and odor control)
Potting soil (cactus mix works best)
Small succulents or air plants
Stones, shells, or tiny figurines (optional)
For a closed terrarium (moist/foggy plants):
A clear glass jar with a lid (pickle jars, apothecary jars, even large spice jars work well)
Gravel or pebbles
Activated charcoal
Potting soil
Sheet moss or foraged moss
Miniature ferns, baby’s tears, or woodland cuttings
A misting bottle
How to Build Your Garden in a Jar
-
Layer like the Earth does.
Add about an inch of gravel or small stones to the bottom. This helps with drainage. -
Sprinkle in a thin layer of activated charcoal.
This step is optional but helps keep things fresh, especially in closed terrariums. -
Add potting soil.
For succulents, use about 2 inches. For moss, a bit less is needed. -
Arrange your plants.
Nestle them gently into the soil. Let them tell you where they want to go. -
Decorate if you’d like.
Add a tiny pinecone. A bit of bark. A smooth river stone. Or leave it wild and unadorned. -
Water lightly.
For moss and closed terrariums: just a light misting. For succulents: a few drops, sparingly. -
Seal the jar (if closed) and place it in indirect light.
Watch for condensation (a good sign!). If it gets too foggy, crack the lid briefly.
Why It Matters
In a world that often feels too big, too loud, or too fast—there’s something comforting about tending to something so small.
A terrarium is a reminder of resilience. Of beauty in miniature. Of ecosystems that thrive quietly, just out of reach.
It’s also a beautiful project to do with children, students, or even alone on a rainy afternoon when your heart needs rooting.
Final Thought
Not all gardens are meant to be walked through. Some are meant to be looked into. And sometimes, when you look closely enough, you realize you’re not just building a world—you’re rebuilding your own sense of wonder.
So go ahead. Find a jar.
And plant a little green hope inside.
~ LS