Making terrariums the MoneySaving way

MSE_Laura_F

I've been to a couple of terrarium workshops - they are not cheap.

I'd love to learn how to make them at home without an expensive kit. Please give me your detailed tips.

A few questions:

- How do you get the balance of ingredients right? Are things like charcoal really needed?
- Where do you get terrarium-appropriate plants from, cheaply?
- Any ideas for extra decorations? Lego figures, coloured stones etc?

Thank you.

[Deleted User]

Simple to do, easy to source the various items, gravel and free draining is key - nothing complicated or fancy about it - search the bits and pieces.
You can get extra ideas by going into a garden centre and looking at what's on sale.

twopenny

Charcoal is needed to keep it frash in the humid atmosphere.
I'd go for sourcing plants from the supermarkets. Those that like a damp and humid atmosphere like ferns.
Too long for me to remember the details as it was in fashion in the 70s when I last had one.

Laura with respect if you've done 2 ciurces it should be you giving advice 

YoungBlueEyes

That's what I was thinking but didn't wanna say it. 

 If you're asking basic questions on here you need your money back.  From both courses.

Flugelhorn

Gosh yes so much of the 70s/80s thing - haven't seen one for ages. Can't remember what went in them but they were quite fun, you can get small cuttings off other people's plants if they have something suitable

MSE_Laura_F

Teehee, thanks @twopenny. While the workshops and finished products were great, MoneySaving was sadly not one of their criteria. That's useful to know about the charcoal, thank you.

The workshops are able to buy ingredients in bulk for their hundreds of attendees. I'm interested in replicating that at home cheaply, on my own. So tips might include things like whether it's cheaper to buy a small bag of sphagnum moss from a pet shop rather than a plant shop. Or photos of the recycled glass containers that people have used successfully, and which turned out to be not so suitable.

That's a good shout about asking for free cuttings, @Flugelhorn. We put on the occasional plant cutting swap at MSE HQ so I'll definitely be thinking about my terrarium for the next one.

Anyone got thoughts on makeshift tools? What could I use in place of giant tweezers?

Farway

MSE_Laura_F said:

Teehee, thanks @twopenny. While the workshops and finished products were great, MoneySaving was sadly not one of their criteria. That's useful to know about the charcoal, thank you.

The workshops are able to buy ingredients in bulk for their hundreds of attendees. I'm interested in replicating that at home cheaply, on my own. So tips might include things like whether it's cheaper to buy a small bag of sphagnum moss from a pet shop rather than a plant shop. Or photos of the recycled glass containers that people have used successfully, and which turned out to be not so suitable.

That's a good shout about asking for free cuttings, @Flugelhorn. We put on the occasional plant cutting swap at MSE HQ so I'll definitely be thinking about my terrarium for the next one.

Anyone got thoughts on makeshift tools? What could I use in place of giant tweezers?

Chopsticks if dextrous enough

RAS

Something like these bamboo tongs? Bamboo Tongs (therefilljar.co.uk)

Free cuttings - yes

Maybe also read James Wongs article for plants suggestions How to treat your terrarium | Gardening advice | The Guardian

MSE_Laura_F

Hugely handy, thanks @RAS!

"Also, 99% of the terraria I see around today are just too small – way too small. (...) I’d say a terrarium of at least 30cm x 30cm is necessary. Pick simple shapes without funny angles, too – spheres, cubes and oblongs are ideal."

Brie

Look to the charity shops for minature figures (lego, china, whatever) and you may also find large jars as well.  Try freegle or gumtree.  Maybe someone has an old aquarium.   Chinese food shops should have the extra long cooking chop sticks.  

Check Ikea too - I've got a minature glass greenhouse from there.  Dreadful as a greenhouse but would work nicely as a terrarium.  In fact if you live on the south coast I might be willing to do a deal......

twopenny

I saw some pretty succulents in a charity shop yesterday and thought of you Laura. They've done ferns and all sorts but it's not regular.

In the summer we have roadside stalls by private houses even a couple of charity plant stalls. I enjoy those, a bit of adventure as to what surprises you can find.

I did buy a goldfish type bowl with plastic candle and flowers (mad moment I have no idea why) and was going to adapt that.

The ones they sell for candles in the winter in supermarkets may be unusual.

I got a really long pair of tweesers type things that came from a chain diy store for getting things stuck in difficult places.

You need to allow yourself some treasure hunt browsing time which can be fun - but stay focused or you'll end up with all sorts - and keep your eyes open for road sides and who;s growing what so you can beg. People who grow plants love to share.