There's not one definite way to do it. Search the forum!

I think fish bowls or those huge novelty brandy snifters make great little terrariums. Actually, just about any vase will also work. I would choose a tropical moss, like java moss (I haven't found wild mosses to work very well long-term, unless you have LOTS of light). Look in the gallery for some fish bowl terrs, and even a Christmas ball terr! It can be as small or as large as you want. You could even just put some moist-wet potting soil in a glass container and wait to see what grows. I used soil for the substrate of my terr. at first, and I got a couple really tiny, cute ferns growing in it. Bits of moss too, but it's dead now. Ferns are still doing good though, and growing nice and slow, so they would be perfect for a tiny terr. Now you've given me an idea. . . =)

I am going to start a terrarium and this is all new for me. I have a small greenhouse, that I recently purchased on Ebay, to start with. I would like to put African Violets and/or other flowering plants like that in it. Would using Mircle Grow potting soil and Java moss be a good beginning start? I also have a grow spot light for it. What kind of small ferns are recommended?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1267592}}

Nephrolepsis 'Fluffy Ruffles' is a good small fern. You can order it, and other mini plants, from Rob's. I've linked them below. Rob's also has mini African Violets. Miracle grow is fine, but you really don't need a brand-name soil. What kind of bulb is your grow light?

Here is a link that might be useful: Rob's

Thank yous sahoyaref,
I like the look of the Fluffy Ruffles. I saw the Java Moss and don't think that is what I want for ground cover. Do you have any suggestions for Moss that is easy to keep alive and green?
I bought the spot Grow Light at Walmart. I had no idea there are mini African Violets. I will check Rob's.
Theresa