Reviewed & fact checked: June 9, 2023 by Jamie Wilson (BA)
As an urban dweller who resides in an apartment, what options do you have to enjoy gardening? Well, a few possibilities exist to practice this activity indoors, such as by hanging baskets and tray landscaping. That said, have you ever considered miniature gardening? A miniature garden has all the features of an actual garden, including soil, trees, paths, and rocks, only in ‘showcase size.’ And thanks to its size, this garden can go anywhere inside your house.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Creating a Miniature Garden
Before you start planting or running to home depot, you need to remember the following principles.
- Be patient
- Have a theme
- Choose contrasts; these include accessories and plants
- Identify the scale
- Determine the focal point
- Go for colors that complement the plants and accessories
Step #1: Determine the Supplies You’ll Need
You will need to prepare a list of items for the miniature garden. Here’s what you’ll need for the garden and decorations:
- A planter with drain holes
- Grow bulbs
- Soil and sand mix
- Aquarium gravel
- Plants
- Sticks
- Glue
- Paint and a paintbrush
- A pair of scissors
- Crafting paper
- Utility knife
- Thick paper
Step #2: Choose a Planter for the Miniature Garden
You must identify the type of pot you wish to use for your garden. It’s best to get this from the store as it already has holes at the bottom for proper drainage. One consideration to make is the pot size. A smaller one allows for easy handling if moving out or if you wish to place it in a different area inside your house. Even so, large planters are ideal for future redesigns and additional features. Numerous container types are available, including plastic, terra cotta, and custom ones like mini wheelbarrows and birdbaths.
Step #3: Get Your Soil Mix
Soil is essential, and it would be best to buy the organic type that does not have any fertilizers or polymers. Once you have the planter, you will fill it to the top, then add about an inch of sand to cover the soil.
Step #4: Light and Temperature
Individual bulbs are perfect for this DIY project; they are low-cost and require minimal space. The goal is to make sure the plants get 60F all year long.
Step #5: Plant Selection
It is best to choose dwarf plant varieties because they spread less. Additionally, these plant types tend to stay narrow and produce moderately-sized blooms. Other considerations include the planter size and light and water requirements, particularly when the plants mature. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is an excellent resource for identifying which plant varieties will thrive where you live.
Need some inspiration for your ideal plant miniature gardens?
- Begonias. Select small-leafed begonias and ensure you water them regularly, as they need moist soil to survive.
- Golden oregano. Oregano plants are easy to maintain and control because you can trim them regularly for cooking.
- Croton. These plants come in intense colors, making them aesthetically pleasing. Ensure they receive enough light to thrive.
- Peace lilies. These beautiful plants require a strict watering schedule. Ensure there’s no standing water else they will die.
Step #6: Build Your Miniature Garden
- Using a paintbrush, paint your pot and let it cure before planting. Each material is different. For instance, it takes 24 hours for paint to dry on terra cotta.
- Ensure the pot has holes on the bottom. To create them, use a drill or hammer and nail. This method is a last resort, and we encourage buying pots that already have holes in them.
- Add your soil mix to about 2 inches deep before adding your plants. Be sure to shake off the extra soil before planting and leave room for accessories.
- Add aquarium gravel over the soil, then water.
- Find a shaded area to place your miniature garden.
How To Build Accessories for Your Miniature Garden
- Take the craft paper and make a cut-out that would create a cabin. You will need about six separate pieces of paper.
- Using a utility knife, cut the sticks to fit each paper cut-out.
- Select glue with an extra strong and flexible bond, apply it on the sticks for each side of the paper, and let it dry.
- Combine all the sides and glue the sticks together to form a cabin accessory for your miniature garden.
- As for the thick paper, use it to create a birdhouse. It helps to do a freehand template before cutting the parts out. Glue a stick below the birdhouse, which you can push into the soil.
A miniature garden is a fun way to bring the outdoor garden inside. It also serves as a décor element with a hint of nature. Not sure what to do on a lazy afternoon? A miniature garden is perfect for sprucing up your home!
Photo by Daniel Öberg on Unsplash
