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Terrarium Projects: How to Make Soda Bottle Terrariums

© Diana Pederson

Here is an easy project that will educate and fascinate your children. Let them create their own "soda bottle" (or "pop bottle") terrarium.

Materials:

• one 2 or 3 litre clear plastic pop bottle with cap
• sharp scissors
• charcoal (for horticultural purposes)
• potting soil
• assorted plants
• teaspoon for digging
• assorted rocks or other decorations.

Creating the Terrarium

1. Wash the pop bottle out thoroughly, and cut off the bottom quarter or so of the clean bottle - adults may need to do this for younger children.
2. Take the bottom piece and cut a half inch vertical snip in one spot. Turn the piece around halfway and snip again. This will make re-attaching the top and bottom of bottle easier.
   
3. In the cut-off bottom, place a 1/4-1/2 inch layer of horticultural charcoal (usually available at nurseries or greenhouses). On top of that layer, use 2-3 inches of good potting soil. You may choose either peat-based or good black soil.
   
4. Select 2-3 small plants. Some good plants to select are: aluminum plants, ivies and baby tears. Always purchase the smallest, healthiest plant you can find. Also be sure the plants all want the same amount of light.
   
5. Dig holes suitable size holes for the plants using an old teaspoon. Then, carefully tip the plant out of its pot being carefully not to injure the roots. When planted the base of the plant should be level with the surrounding soil. Follow this procedure for each plant you place in your terrarium.
   
6. If desired, add stones, or other decorative items.
   
7. Water the terrarium so the soil is moist but not soggy.
   
8. Slip the plastic top (with cap) onto the base which contains your plants. Be sure it is firmly anchored.
   
9. Place the terrarium in a window suitable for the type plant you chose. Example: if your plants need strong light, place it in a west or south facing window. If they are low light plants, put it in a north or east facing window.
   
10. Watch the terrarium for a few days. Are there always water drops on the inside of the plastic? Then you have too much moisture and should take the cap off and let it dry out. The presence of mold also indicates too much moisture. If there are no droplets of water at any time, you probably need to water it. It takes time and patience to learn just the right amount of water to use.

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