How to create a closed terrarium

It’s rewarding to watch a self-sustaining ecosystem flourish in a sealed glass container; even more so if you created it yourself, says Linda Piegl.

- Linda Piegl

Closed terrariums allow you to bring nature indoors. They're ideal if you don't have a garden or live ina small flat where pot plants could cause clutter.

Some enthusiasts create 'jarrariums', defining this practice as using jars not originally intended for the purpose of a terrarium. Any kind or size of lidded glass container can be used, whether it’s a jam jar, cliptop jar, or one with a cork stopper.

The plants thrive in this sealed environment through the natural cycling of water, nutrients, and gases, using sunlight as their primary energy source. As the water cannot evaporate, it condenses on the inside of the glass before trickling back down into the soil.

These small, self-sustaining ecosystems are attractive, fascinating, space-saving, and easy to assemble. Just let your creativity flow!

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

• Select your glass container or jar. Make sure it's clean: scrub with soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly.

• Add a layer of small pebbles or gravel for drainage of water.