Creative terrarium for roots and earthworms

The set brings together the terrarium, the soil materials, seeds of several varieties and instructions.

• 1 transparent terrarium, 23 x 13 x 13 cm
• 8 coconut pellets of 6 cm to swell in water
• 1 bag of sand, 800 g
• 1 bag of pozzolan, 200 g
• 3 bags of carrot seeds, Amsterdam variety
• 2 Vigna magic beans
• 1 bag of radish seeds, Transparent White variety
• 1 peanut seed
• Instructions

The appeal lies in the point of view. Instead of only looking at green leaves, you watch the soil at work: earthworms dig their tunnels and move the material around, something that normally happens unseen below the surface. The transparent structure puts exactly that part of soil life on show.

Then there are the seeds: carrots of the Amsterdam variety, radishes of the Transparent White variety, one peanut seed and two Vigna magic beans. Carrots and radishes are root vegetables, so their most interesting part happens precisely where the terrarium gives you a view. Watching turns into a small research project in which children make their own observations and ask their own questions.

The terrarium is meant for children who enjoy exploring and observing, and for the adults who join in. Parents and grandparents get a gift that invites taking part rather than just unwrapping. Schools and nurseries can use it to show what goes on in the soil. Birthdays, Christmas, Easter and the first day of school all fit as occasions, and it works just as well as a small present for nature-loving families.

Go through the instructions together before you start, so everyone knows what comes next. According to the manufacturer, the coconut pellets are rehydrated in water before use, and for many children that moment is already part of the experiment.

A notebook next to the terrarium is worth having: date, a small drawing, a short observation, and a research diary builds up along the way. If you are giving the set, offer to do the setting up together; unpacking the sand, pozzolan and seeds is more fun with two pairs of hands. For a class or nursery present, the terrarium pairs nicely with a book about soil creatures.

What is included in the set? A transparent terrarium, 8 coconut pellets, sand (800 g), pozzolan (200 g), carrot, radish and peanut seeds, 2 Vigna magic beans and instructions.

How big is the terrarium? It measures 23 x 13 x 13 cm, so it sits comfortably on a table or a shelf.

What can you observe inside? The transparent build lets you see roots growing into the soil and earthworms digging their tunnels there.

Do the coconut pellets need preparing? Yes, according to the manufacturer they are rehydrated in water before use.

Does the set work as a gift? Yes, for children who like to investigate, for a birthday, Christmas, Easter or the start of school.