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Set It and Forget It!

© Barbara M. Martin

Dear reader, please note: Thank you for visiting my Cottage Garden topic and reading my columns, published here from February 1997 through spring 2003! I regret I am no longer actively editing or contributing to this suite101.com topic as of mid-2003. Happy Gardening! This Cottage Garden column was written by Barbara M. Martin and is Copyrighted by Barbara M. Martin. It may not be altered or copied or published elsewhere in whole or in part without specific permission from the author.

How do you withstand your winter gardening urges?

I have developed several good antidotes over the years with my favorite being a trip to Florida or similar warm and tropical location and next best being a visit to a large greenhouse. But when I'm stuck at home, I enjoy planting a new terrarium. It's simplicity itself to maintain and it only takes about an hour to make one.

I enjoy these so much that I think everyone should grow a terrarium or two. They are perfect for "forgetful" gardeners and for those who travel because the ongoing care is simplicity itself. No watering, no feeding, no weeding, it just doesn't get any better than this. It's about as close to "set it and forget it" as a garden can be.

The terrarium seems to emerge periodically as a gardening fad. It began as the Edwardian case used by plant collectors trying to bring specimens home over great distances and journeys that lasted for months, resurged somewhat inexplicably in the 1970's along with macrame, and is once again making a cyclical comeback.

To make your own terrarium, all you need is a transparent clear glass or plastic container that will not leak, some sterile potting mix, and a few small, humidity-tolerant plants. Your container should be tall enough to hold several inches of soil mix and allow for some plant growth. When you select your plants, keep the size of the container in mind so that they are in scale with each other.

Clean the interior of the container carefully. I use warm soapy water, rinse well, then wipe the glass with ordinary vinegar. The cleaner the glass, the less chance of mold or algae growing in your terrarium later. If you are recycling an old aquarium, the vinegar and gentle scrubbing with a fingernail will loosen those stubborn mineral deposits left by "hard" water.

Once the container is clean and dry, carefully add the soil mix, taking care to keep the sides of the terrarium clean. Some gardeners add gravel in the bottom first and some may also add an optional thin layer of horticultural charcoal on top of the gravel. If you are careful not to over water your plants, these two layers might not be necessary but I use the gravel and charcoal to be on the safe side, and to have an excuse to play in the dirt a little bit longer.

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