Date of the last update: 21.06.2022
Over recent years Poland has seen a real fascination in forests in a jar – miniature forest ecosystems closed in small or large jars. Such “forests” are popular decorative elements in flats, offices and practices, as well as a great idea for a gift for our loved ones. There are even workshops on creating these plant compositions! This article will show you that making your own forest in a jar is relatively easy and at the same time highly satisfactory!
Table of Contents:
- What is a forest in a jar?
- A forest in a jar – the materials you need
- Preparing the right substrate
- Now it’s time to plant!
- How do I care for a forest in a jar?
You can read this article in 4 minutes.
What is a forest in a jar?
A forest in a jar is a small-size grove, which is closed in a decorative jar and makes an original decoration for your home. It is totally on us what elements our “miniature forest” will contain. Mostly these are mosses and ferns, which can be optionally decorated with stones or bark. Most importantly, you can create an impressively looking forest ecosystem yourself using easily available materials. Let’s get started!
A forest in a jar – the materials you need
What is needed to make your own forest in a jar? Here’s a list of essential materials:
- a decorative, resealable jar (it can also be a bottle),
- All-purpose acidic soil,
- expanded clay pebbles or decorative drainage gravel,
- moss (you need to buy it from a florist or a gardening shop as it is a protected species!),
- activated charcoal – optional, but worth using because of its detoxifying properties,
- cuttings of small plants, e.g. ferns, ivy,
- decorative elements, such as stones, cones, bark and twigs,
- tools – a small spatula, a brush for cleaning the walls of the jar and small tweezers or tongs will certainly come in handy.
Preparing the right substrate
It’s time to start creating our forest in a jar! Put a 3–5 cm layer of expanded clay pebbles or gravel on the bottom to drain moisture away, so that no water accumulates on the bottom of the jar. The next layer is activated carbon, if we decide to use it (it has a protective function for plants). The next layer is soil –pour enough of it to freely put the plants and keep the whole composition aesthetic.
Now it’s time to plant!
This is a very pleasant stage of creating the forest in a jar – we make small holes in the soil and put selected plants into them. If there is any empty space between the roots and the jar walls – fill it up with soil. Then put a layer of moss between the plants. All additional decorations depend on your imagination and available materials. You can put twigs, pebbles, cones or bark in any place you like. Water the base with 100–150 ml of water and close the jar. Done!
How do I care for a forest in a jar?
A forest in a jar is not particularly demanding, although you should remember about a few basic rules. First of all, choose a place where it will not be exposed to prolonged and direct sunlight. Moreover, avoid overwatering. Our forest garden needs to be watered with just a little water using a syringe, only when the soil has dried out (you can check the moisture with your finger). During the first few weeks the jar may mist up and water will drip down its walls. This is a natural process. You should then open the jar for 10–15 minutes and close it again.
As you can see, the process of creating your own forest in a jar is not particularly complicated, but it requires a little precision and following a few key rules. Now it’s time for you to get to work!
Check out also: How to water houseplants?
Sources:
https://zielony-sloik.pl/jak-zrobic-las-w-sloiku-4-kroki-najpiekniejszego-ogrodu-lesnego-zielony-sloik/, access: 13.11.2021.
https://fajnyogrod.pl/porady/jak-zrobic-las-w-sloiku-wyjasniamy-krok-po-kroku/, access: 13.11.2021.
https://natemat.pl/231927,jak-zrobic-las-w-sloiku, access: 13.11.2021.
