This simple terrarium project idea is a great way to use mason jars and mini cactuses. Our DIY Mason Jar Terrariums are a fun kid’s craft that will show you how to start a terrarium garden. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #showmetheshine #CollectiveBias

How do you know that spring is on its way again? Well if you ask my daughter, she’ll happily say, “It’s when you can finally do a Cartwheel on the grass again because you can’t really do Cartwheels in the snow, Mom!” So out of the mouth of babes comes a very simplistic answer to my question. And, you know what? She makes a really good point, which is why we’ve been psyched about the past few days.

After months of cold, snowy, weather – the temps have finally creeped back up into the mid-40s. The dirty piles of snow are almost gone and we can finally see our yard again. The grass may be more brown than green right now, but it’s a welcome sight nevertheless. The kids are so excited that they’ve brought their spring coats out of the closet and have been racing outside each day after school.

But, where we live, spring equals rain. Warm rain. Green grass. Pretty flowers. But rain, and sometimes, a lot of it. I’ve always found the saying, “April showers bring May flowers” to be a bit cliche, but ever so relevant to our geographical location. So even though warmer weather is right around the corner, so is the rain – which means that we still have lots of afternoons to spend inside. Blech.

Too bad our internal clocks refuse to accept this predicament, so I try to bring the outside in whenever I can. Last March, during a particularly pouty spell, I surprised the kids with an indoor Seed Starting Window Garden. The kids were so excited to start growing seeds that we filled up two whole windows with little plastic bags. But this year, I was going to have to try something different because now they just expect us to fill up the windows again with little seeds.

I always have a large supply of mason jars downstairs due to my fondness for making jam, so I thought we would get our craft on and make some kid-friendly mason jar terrariums. These little gardens are the perfect way to display indoor plants as they fit in many a tight place like our windowsills. I also like the portability of these terrariums – this way, if the kids want to keep their plants in their rooms, I don’t have to worry about it.

The kids had a blast making these mason jar terrariums. To keep them interested in this gardening activity, I had them help me out with all stages of this craft from start to finish. From washing the mason jars (we recommend using Finish® products – see why below), to gathering the supplies, to setting up their gardens, to watering them — they did it all. As a parent, I love that they are doing something with nature and learning about the importance of taking care of their little plant.

P.S. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a great giveaway!!

KIDS CRAFT: MASON JAR TERRARIUMS

Materials:

• Large mason jars
• Small plants (cacti, orchids, succulents, tropical indoor plants, etc)
• Decorative pebbles, rocks and moss
• Potting soil (use the right soil for your chosen plant)

Directions:

Step 1: Make sure your mason jars are really clean. This is very important because once you fill them up with materials, you’ll be really upset if you see fingerprints and residue staring back at you. (We use Finish® products because they really do get your glassware squeaky clean. Finish® doesn’t leave residue, film or water spots on your glassware. Water spots make me crazy – just saying! P.S. Target has great prices on Finish®)

Step 2: Gather all of your materials and set them out on a large table. It is highly recommended that you cover your table with an old sheet or tablecloth to keep the dirt and rocks contained. This is supposed to be fun for the kids – they shouldn’t be worried about messing up the floor!

Step 3: Show your children how to layer rocks, pebbles, and materials so that they create a pleasing landscape.

Step 4: If your kids are using live plants, add potting soil or a planting mix specific to your plant. (We used orchids in one, so we needed orchid mix!)

Step 5: Help them carefully nestle their living plant into the jar. Tamp the base down and add a bit more soil.

Step 6: Carefully water the plant – you just want to add a little bit of water to get things settled. Do not flood your plant – or you’ll end up with root rot. After this initial watering, you will only spray the soil with a spray bottle or leave an ice cube on the moss to melt slowly over time.

Step 7: If you have decorative moss, feel free to cover the top layer of dirt with it so it looks cute.

Step 8: Pick a sunny spot for your plant and watch your child’s face light up with joy!

What fun craft ideas do you have for clean glassware in your home? Do you like mason jar crafts? Let us know in the comments section below.

Enjoy your terrarium,

Denine

Want more gardening with kids crafts?

• Mod Podge Fabric Pots
• Window Seed Starting Garden
• Using Recyclables To Pot Up Plants

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

We are happy to bring you this great giveaway, so don’t forget to enter and share it with your friends. Details are below, but the giveaway link is here: Finish® #ShineAndProtect Giveaway! Winners must be 18 years or older. Prizes, plus gift cards to purchase Finish® at Target.

Finish #ShineAndProtect Giveaway!

1. Grand Prize:

• Riedel Swirl Decanter and Wine Glasses ($51.99 value)
  
• $100 Target Gift Card

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• Libbey Bar In a Box ($39.99 value)
  
• $75 Target Gift Card

3. Prize 3:

• Riedel Champagne Flutes ($39.99 value)
  
• $50 Target Gift Card

4. Prize 4:

• Libbey Frosted Glass 20 Piece Dinnerware Set ($29.99 value)
  
• $25 Target Gift Card

COUPON:

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• Save 5% on NEW! Max in ONE & Quantum Max Small Size 3/29-4/25

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