10 Things Around Your Home You Can Use To Make Tiny DIY Terrariums

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Do you have a green thumb but have little to no garden space? Do you like the idea of house plants but feel like they don't feed your creative side? DIY tiny terrariums just might be the answer to your dilemma. And thankfully, you don't need any fancy containers to house your tiny creation since the future home for your little plants might be in your recycling bin right now. From old spice jars to light bulbs, empty baby food jars, and even saltshakers can be used to make homes for moss, succulents, or air plants. Small mason jars are a classic and are easy to seal, but if you prefer something a little more whimsical, you can use an old teacup. Some have even made tiny terrariums out of antique glass jars.

Making a terrarium is not as difficult as you might think. You just need to get a clear container, add some small pebbles to the bottom for drainage, then top with soil. Next, add your plants to the soil: Moss, succulents, ferns, or even air plants will work, depending on whether you are creating an open or closed terrarium. A closed terrarium acts like its own tiny ecosystem and is better suited to moisture-loving plants — it cycles its own moisture, making it low-maintenance. An open terrarium is better suited to plants that don't need as much moisture, like air plants. With an open terrarium, you will need to mist it every so often with water. Whichever you choose, DIY tiny terrariums are the perfect low-maintenance garden for creative types short on space.

A delicate teacup with a beautiful design is the perfect vessel for a tiny open terrarium. The ideal plants for this type of terrarium are air plants or succulents because they need less moisture and more fresh air. Prepare your teacup with the necessary items, add your plant choices, then place it in an area that gets good indirect light, and enjoy your whimsical little creation.

An 8 ounce wide mouth Mason jar is the perfect size for a tiny terrarium. It has a larger opening, perfect for better access to plant and maintain your little ecosystem. It can be used for either an open or closed system since it comes with a lid. You can get one similar to the Ball Mason Wide Mouth Half Pint Jar to create a perfect terrarium with your chosen plants to brighten up any windowsill.

Spice jars are the perfect size for a tiny terrarium. They usually have their own lid, so you can create a closed ecosystem. Club moss (Selaginella kraussiana) is the perfect plant to add to this little jar because of its small leaves and love for moisture. Its delicate, bright, green leaves are sure to add cheer to any space. Just ensure to monitor it as the leaves could grow quickly.

Salt and pepper shakers are great for this simple project. You could use a shaker for either an open system or add a cork to turn it into a closed terrarium. You could even look for fancy vintage glass shakers at the thrift store if you wanted to get more creative. Shakers also vary in size enough that you could choose just how tiny you want to make your DIY terrarium.

Don't toss an empty glass candle if you love low-maintenance plants. An empty candle jar makes a wonderful home for your new terrarium — if it comes with a lid, even better. Before getting to work on your terrarium, make sure you get all the wax out and wash it with mild soap and water. Once it's clean, that old candle jar is ready for its second life as a tiny plant home.

Are you looking for a unique (and maybe classier) version of this project? Well, a wine glass is a great option for your terrarium container if you're into earthy and elegant. With this vessel, you're going to want to opt for lighter plants and fewer materials, or it might become a tipping hazard. Place your tipsy terrarium on a table or mantel and enjoy your new conversation piece.

Probably the trendiest version of this easy project is to reuse an old light bulb to create the perfect DIY air plant terrarium. And why not? It provides the perfect space for a terrarium. The key is to make sure you very carefully unscrew the end and get the filament out — it's a good idea to wear eye and hand protection. Also, you definitely want to find an incandescent, clear bulb for the best results (fluorescent bulbs contain dangerous chemicals). If you wanted to get fancy, you could use an Edison bulb for a more interesting shape.

Empty food jars — especially baby food — are the perfect size for a tiny terrarium. They're versatile, too: Leave the lid off for an open design or screw it back on to create a closed, self-sustaining ecosystem. The smaller the jar, the more adorable your mini garden becomes. Plus, it's a smart way to give new life to jars that would otherwise end up in the trash or recycling bin. Upcycling doesn't get much easier than this, and chances are you already have a few jars on hand.

Small bud vases come in all kinds of different styles, from simple to elegant, which makes them a great option that can fit any look you're going for. The more interesting the shape, the more unique your DIY terrarium will be. They are a great option for an open terrarium as the top allows air to get in. What a perfect way to use those wonderful hand-me-downs from grandma and put them on display!

A really cheap option to make your very own tiny terrarium is a small candy jar. You can often find these miniature candy jars at craft or dollar stores. They usually come with a lid, so they can be made into an open or closed terrarium. This is a unique and versatile way to have your own little miniature garden in a window or decorating a shelf.