Planting a fish-bowl type of terrarium!!!
To plant a terrarium with soil mixture in the base, begin by placing a layer of either pebbles or broken bricks in the bottom to ensure drainage, and cover this with moss or dead leaves from trees to prevent the soil from washing through and clogging the drainage. On top of this place some soil (an open, porous, gritty mixture of topsoil, peat moss or humus and coarse sand or grit). Vary the depth of the soil in different places to give a pretty landscape effect but do not let it be so deep anywhere that it detracts from the decorative appearance of the finished terrarium. Small pieces of rock, pieces of cork bark etc., may be introduced to suggest landscape features and, if desired, a “pool” made of small mirror may be featured.
When the general contours of the miniature landscape are established, planting may begin. A few hours before planting is done, the plants to be used should be watered thoroughly. It is well to set the bigger plants first, then the smaller ones, and finally creepers, mosses and other ground covers.
Do not crowd the plants unduly; remember that if all goes well they will grow and need more space. After planting is completed, water gently with a fine spray and wash all leaves clean of soil and the glass clean of smears. Be careful, when watering, not to flood the terrarium, especially if it is one that does not have drainage holes.
Sheryl's Garden 