Terrariums create a miniature garden indoors

Q. I have limited green space for outdoor gardening and would like to create an indoor terrarium. How do I go about doing so?

A. Terrariums are a great way to bring your miniature garden indoors! It is very simple to get started. You'll need a glass container, some plant life, small pebbles, sphagnum moss, soil and, most importantly, your own imagination to create a living garden designed to fit into a tiny space.

It's important, first, that you think about where your terrarium will be on display in your home. Because you'll be using a glass container that produces heat when the sun hits it, you want to be sure to set your terrarium in an area that receives indirect sunlight. You will also need to look at the plant labels for those plants that you select and do your best to follow the plants' recommendations for sunlight.

Once you pick your spot, decide on which type of plants you want to put into your terrarium. Keep in mind you want plants that will fit nicely in your glass container and not become quickly overgrown. Some examples of plants that work well with small terrariums include: boxwood basil, button fern, baby's tears and creeping fig.

You've got your spot, you've coordinated your supplies and picked out your plants; it's time to design your terrarium. This is where the fun begins!

Tip 1: Grab your glass container. Make sure it is clean, clear glass. Think about the opening of the container as well. Remember you will need to be able to work inside the container so make sure the opening is not too small. Some container ideas include pickle or Mason jars, old vases, antique cake plates with clear glass cover, fishbowl or cloche. You'll also need some tools to help you when planting. Tweezers and/or chopsticks and a small spoon will work.

Tip 2: Put some small rocks/pebbles at the bottom of the container to aid in drainage. Take the sphagnum moss, let it soak in water for a few seconds and squeeze out any liquid. Place the damp moss onto the rocks and be sure to cover the rock surface completely. This will form a barrier so that when you add soil, it doesn't seep through into the rocks.

Tip 3: Grab some soil and fill your container with about 2 inches of it. A note about soils - generally speaking, you can use a non-moisture control potting mix. Be careful not to add too much soil as you need space for your plant life to grow. You can have fun with it by adding layers to your design. Think about rolling landscapes and feel free to contour your terrain by adding different levels of soil.

Tip 4: It's time to create your ecosystem. Imagine you are arranging plants in a pot to set outside. Get creative. Lightly loosen the root ball of each plant, place in a shallow layer of soil and gently add soil around the root base, patting it down as you go. Be careful not to crowd your plants or place them up against your glass container. Even in a terrarium, plants need room to grow.

Tip 5: Feed your new terrarium. Give it some water but not too much as your container can't drain the water. That's why your rock layer is important. Your soil should be slightly moist but never soggy. You'll find that once your plants settle in, your terrarium will create its own climate as your plants produce moisture through their leaves that will condense in your glass container and ultimately nurture the soil.

The great thing about terrariums is that they don't take up much space and let you bring the outdoors in. Enjoy your new indoor garden!

- Wendy Reiner

• Provided by Master gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines. Call (847) 298-3502 or email northcookmg@gmail.com.