DIY: Create a fairy garden with a broken terracotta pot

Have a cracked terracotta pot lying around that feels too cute to throw away? Don’t toss it just yet! With a little creativity, you can turn a broken clay pot into a magical fairy garden filled with tiny plants, layered pathways, and whimsical details. This DIY project is the perfect way to give old pots a second life while creating a charming mini world for your home.

Fairy gardens are all about imagination. They combine plants, texture, and tiny decorations into a playful landscape that feels straight out of a fairytale. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just starting your green journey, this project is easy, relaxing, and endlessly customizable. Use an already-broken pot or break one yourself, pick your favourite baby plants, and let your creativity guide the way.

What you’ll need

Before you start, gather all your supplies. Most of these items are easy to find, and you can swap things out based on what you already have at home.

• Hammer
• Broken terracotta pot and matching plate
• Mini terracotta pots (optional, but very cute)
• Potting soil
• Moss, shells, bark, or small stones
• Your favourite baby plants
• Mini decorations (plant buddies, fairy doors, figurines, etc.)

Ready to create your own tiny landscape? Let’s get started!

1. Break & prepare your pot

If your pot isn’t broken yet, this is the moment to transform it. Place cardboard, newspaper, or foam inside the pot to prevent shards from flying everywhere. Gently tap the pot with a hammer until it breaks into several pieces.

Tip! Try to keep one larger piece intact. This will act as the back “wall” of your fairy garden and help hold everything together visually. Always be careful with sharp edges, and take your time during this step.

2. Build your mini landscape

Place the largest pot piece on the terracotta plate and add a layer of potting soil at the bottom. This creates a stable base. Now comes the fun part: arranging the broken shards and mini pots.

Push the pieces gently into the soil to create terraces, platforms, and different height levels. Think of this as designing a tiny hillside or mountain village. There’s no right or wrong here, just play around until the layout feels balanced and magical.

3. Add soil & tiny stairways

Once your structure is in place, fill in the gaps and terraces with fresh potting soil. Press it down lightly with your fingers so everything feels secure. Add patches of moss to soften the look and give your garden a lush, aged feel.

Lightly water the soil so it settles into place. For extra charm, break a few terracotta shards into smaller pieces and arrange them like miniature steps or pathways connecting each level. These little details really bring your fairy garden to life.

4. Plant & decorate your fairy world

Now it’s time to add greenery! Place your baby plants into the different levels, choosing spots that suit their size and growth. Smaller plants work best and help maintain the illusion of a tiny world.

Fill any empty spaces with moss, bark, or stones to cover exposed soil and add texture. Finish by adding your decorations: plant buddies, fairy doors, tiny figures, shells, or anything that matches your personal style. This is where your fairy garden truly becomes your own.

Fairy garden care tips

Place your fairy garden in a bright spot with indirect light and keep it away from cold drafts or harsh sun. Gently mist the plants and moss whenever the top layer feels dry, rather than heavily watering. Remove dried leaves and adjust decorations as your plants grow to keep your miniature world looking fresh and magical.

Creating a fairy garden is not just a DIY project, it’s a little moment of creativity and calm. Every broken pot tells a new story, and yours is now home to a tiny world full of charm. Happy crafting and happy growing!