![thumbnail](https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/X5i2r3MOYEI/hqdefault.jpg)
![Cara Newhart contributorImage](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/cara-newhart-headshot.jpg)
A Note From The Home Depot
Getting ready for Springtime is extra enjoyable with this hands-on craft project for you and your children to enjoy. This fun activity teaches kids an interactive craft that will be a beautiful and fun plant space in your home. Read below for Cara Newheart of Never Skip Brunch to teach you how to create your kids’ at-home terrarium.
![Overhead shot of green and brown succulents and ferns next to white and grey river pebbles in a bowl Overhead shot of green and brown succulents and ferns next to white and grey river pebbles in a bowl](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-2-1000px.jpg)
Terrariums are a great way to bring plant life indoors and are so much fun to make. This project is a perfect way to help your little one explore texture and color while creating a lively decor element that will look gorgeous on a table, window sill, or coffee table.
![Picture of a little girl behind a terra cotta bowl of ferns and succulents Picture of a little girl behind a terra cotta bowl of ferns and succulents](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-3-1000px.jpg)
Letting your little one check in on the terrarium every few days and water it keeps this project engaging and gives them a way to help out and be proud of what they’ve made.
Step 1: Add felt pads to your container
![Overhead shot of hand putting felt pads on the bottom of a terra cotta bowl Overhead shot of hand putting felt pads on the bottom of a terra cotta bowl](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-4-1000px.jpg)
Start by adding felt pads to the bottom of your container — this is optional, but can keep your container from scratching the table or wood tray you choose to place it on.
Optional: paint your terra cotta bowl
We chose to paint the outside of our terra cotta bowl gold to uplevel it a bit for indoor decor and provide some added texture. For a more playful feel, you can give your little one some craft paint or paint markers to decorate it however they want.
Step 2: Layer it up
![A photo of a person pouring sand into a glass A photo of a person pouring sand into a glass](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-5-1000px.jpg)
GLASS CONTAINER: Create a decorative base in the bottom of the container by layering some of the filler materials. We chose to add in some sand, white rocks, wood chips, and potting mix.
After we scooped or poured in each material, we smoothed the layer out before adding the next.
Using your layers to vary texture and color will add interest to your terrarium.
![Shot of woman and little girl pouring soil into a glass Shot of woman and little girl pouring soil into a glass](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-6-1000px.jpg)
![A shot of a woman and little girl pouring soil into a glass A shot of a woman and little girl pouring soil into a glass](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-7-1000px.jpg)
You can also encourage your little ones to use the different materials to create a pattern. Allowing them to use their hands and scoop each material in one by one lets them explore and play around with different textures.
![A shot of a woman and little girl pouring rocks into a glass A shot of a woman and little girl pouring rocks into a glass](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-8-1000px.jpg)
TERRA COTTA BOWL: Fill the bottom of the bowl with rocks just until the very base is filled. Add potting mixon the top until the bowl is ¾ full.
Step 3: Arrange plants
![A shot of a woman and little girl putting potting soil into a glass A shot of a woman and little girl putting potting soil into a glass](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-9-1000px.jpg)
After you finish your layers, add additional potting mix on top and spread evenly. Begin removing your plants from their containers and gently massaging the roots to loosen them, allowing excess soil to fall into your container. This will help the plant re-root into its new home in your container.
![A shot of a woman and little girl picking up a succulent plant A shot of a woman and little girl picking up a succulent plant](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-10-1000px.jpg)
We chose a variety of succulents and fern species, but any small potted house plants work great for this project. Pro tip: choose plants that enjoy similar watering schedules. Check your local Home Depot garden center for plant options that are available for your zone.
![A picture of a woman and little girl arranging plants in a glass A picture of a woman and little girl arranging plants in a glass](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-11-1000px.jpg)
![A picture of succulents and ferns in glass A picture of succulents and ferns in glass](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-12-1000px.jpg)
Starting with your largest plant, set it on the top of the soil in your container. Then arrange 2-3 smaller plants around the larger one, leaving gaps in between the plants — you’ll fill these in with some of the filler materials in the next step for added texture and interest.
Step 4: Spray to set
![Overhead shot of a girl spraying plants in a glass with a water bottle Overhead shot of a girl spraying plants in a glass with a water bottle](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-13-1000px.jpg)
Use the spray bottle to spray the potting mix with water so that it’s slightly moist. This will help set it in place as you begin to add your filler materials so that the soil doesn’t mix in with them in any way. This is a super fun activity for little ones and a great way to water your terrarium every few days.
Step 5: Decorate + Fill in the gaps
![Overhead shot of arranging succulents and ferns in a terra cotta bowl Overhead shot of arranging succulents and ferns in a terra cotta bowl](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-14-1000px.jpg)
Time to fill in the gaps! In the areas around the plants, add some of the filler materials, arranging them to vary the color and texture in each section. You can layer on moss in areas that need more greenery, add sand, or marble nuggets in areas that need to feel light & bright, or fill areas with river pebbles or wood chips for wood tones and texture.
Step 6: Style + Enjoy
![Picture of glass terrarium on a table full of succulents Picture of glass terrarium on a table full of succulents](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-15-1000px.jpg)
Add the terrarium to your table as a lively centerpiece or style it on a window sill or coffee table — making sure you place it in a location with a light level appropriate for the plants you’ve selected.
![Picture of group of succulents in a bowl on a brown table Picture of group of succulents in a bowl on a brown table](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/CaraMcIntire-NeverSkipBrunch-FY21KWS-HowToMakeAKitsTerrarium-16-1000px.jpg)
Your little one can stay involved in the terrarium by checking in on it daily to see if there’s any new growth, and using a spray bottle to water it when the soil feels dry.
Check out Cara's video here.