Build Your Own Biome!
- 5th Apr 2025
- Author: Chloe Hopkinson
Biomes are places on Earth that are characterised by the specific plants and animals that live in them. The different biomes on our planet are rainforests, deserts, savannah, woodlands, grasslands, and tundra. Each has their own unique combination of temperature, rainfall, and ecosystems. The types of animals and plants found in each biome have adapted to survive the particular conditions of that area.
Satellites are essential in monitoring and studying Earth's biomes, offering valuable information including changes in vegetation, increased drought stress, changes in ice cover and the effects of climate change.
Build your own biome: Inspired by the mild and muggy woodlands of Britain, have a go at making your own terrarium!
You will need:
- A clean, glass container with a lid
- Gravel
- Potting soil
- Small plants - we've chosen a spider plant, some moss and a peperomia plant!
- Twigs, stones, other decorative pieces
- A spoon
- Water mister
If you are making a terrarium with cacti and succulents, you won't need a lid!
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![Biome Step 1]()
National Space Centre Step 1
Grab a clean, glass container that has enough room inside for a plant or two.
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![Biome Step 2]()
National Space Centre Step 2
For your base layer, add some gravel - this will provide some water drainage!
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![Biome Step 3]()
National Space Centre Step 3
Add some potting soil on top. You only need a handful and most soils work well for this!
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![Biome Step 4]()
National Space Centre Step 4
Put your biggest plant in first. You might find using a spoon is best for making a gap in the soil for your plant.
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![Biome Step 5]()
National Space Centre Step 5
Carefully pat down the soil around your plant to make sure it is nice and secure and won't topple over!
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![Biome Step 6]()
National Space Centre Step 6
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all your plants. Make sure not to overcrowd your terrarium as your plants need space to grow!
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![Biome Step 7]()
National Space Centre Step 7
Finally, add some decor. We've gone for twigs, stones, and some space LEGO!
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![Biome Step 8]()
National Space Centre Step 8
Remember to spray your terrarium with water whenever the soil starts to look a little dry.
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![Biome Step 9]()
National Space Centre Step 9
Secure the lid and watch your very own biome evolve!
Final result!
But how do you keep your terrarium alive and thriving?
- Choose a spot with plenty of natural, indirect sunlight
- Spray your terrarium with water every few weeks or when the soil is dry (you can test this by poking down into the soil with your finger or a wooden skewer!)
- If you see any condensation, remove the lid for a few hours to let it dry out a bit as you may have overwatered it!
Why not have a go at making different styles of terrarium inspired by the biomes around the world!
