Old jars are often tossed into recycling bins or left unused in kitchen cabinets, but they can easily be given new life in the garden. With a little creativity, jars of all shapes and sizes can become charming planters, seed starters, or decorative displays for your plants. Repurposing old jars not only saves money but also reduces waste, giving you eco-friendly containers that add personality to your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Why Use Jars as Planters?
Glass jars may seem simple, but they have plenty of advantages when repurposed for gardening:
- Eco-friendly: Reusing jars keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for new containers.
- Budget-friendly: No need to buy expensive pots when you already have jars on hand.
- Versatile: Suitable for herbs, succulents, flowers, and even small vegetables.
- Aesthetic: Clear glass adds a clean, rustic, or vintage look to your garden or home décor.
Whether you’re working with mason jars, pickle jars, or small jam jars, each can find a useful role in your plant collection.
Preparing Jars for Planting
Before turning jars into planters, preparation is key:
- Wash jars thoroughly with warm water and soap.
- Remove labels by soaking jars in water or using a mixture of baking soda and oil.
- Check for sharp edges and smooth them if necessary.
- Decide if you’ll use jars with or without drainage (tips for both below).
Once prepped, your jars are ready for planting.
Jar Planters Without Drainage Holes
Since most jars don’t come with holes, they can be used as planters with the right technique:
- Add a layer of pebbles or small stones at the bottom to create drainage.
- Place activated charcoal above the stones to prevent odors and mold.
- Add potting soil and plant your herbs, flowers, or succulents.
- Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging.
This layered approach keeps roots healthy in jars without holes.
DIY Drainage for Jars
If you prefer traditional drainage, you can drill small holes in jar bottoms using a glass drill bit. Place the jar on a stable surface, use masking tape to prevent slipping, and drill carefully with water as a lubricant. Once holes are made, jars function just like regular pots.
Creative Ways to Use Old Jars for Plants
1. Herb Gardens in Jars
Mason jars are perfect for growing kitchen herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and thyme. Place jars on a sunny windowsill for a fresh, eco-friendly indoor herb garden.
2. Succulent Displays
Succulents thrive in jars because they need little water. Layer sand, pebbles, and soil to create attractive arrangements. Small jars are especially suited for tiny succulents.
3. Hanging Jar Planters
Attach wire or twine around jar necks to hang them from railings, hooks, or walls. Hanging jar planters save space and create a vertical garden effect.
4. Terrariums
Glass jars make excellent mini-terrariums. Add gravel, soil, moss, and small plants, then seal the jar partially to create a humid microclimate. This works well with ferns or tropical plants.
5. Seed Starters
Use jars to sprout seeds before transplanting them outdoors. The clear sides let you watch root development while providing a controlled space for young plants.
6. Water Propagation
Jars are ideal for rooting plant cuttings in water. Place stems of pothos, mint, or coleus in a jar of water until roots appear, then transfer them to soil or leave them growing hydroponically.
7. Outdoor Lantern Planters
Combine plants with outdoor lighting by placing fairy lights in jars with succulents or flowers. They add charm to patios, balconies, or garden tables.
Decorating Your Jar Planters
Repurposed jars can be customized to suit your style:
- Paint jars with chalk paint or acrylics for color.
- Wrap them in twine, burlap, or fabric for a rustic look.
- Use stencils to add labels or designs.
- Group jars of different sizes for visual variety.
Decorated jars look stylish indoors and outdoors, making them both functional and decorative.
Caring for Plants in Jars
Plants in jars need a little extra attention:
- Monitor water levels closely since jars without holes can retain excess moisture.
- Place jars in bright, indirect light to prevent overheating.
- Choose small plants that won’t outgrow the limited space quickly.
- Refresh soil or trim roots if plants become crowded.
With proper care, plants in jars can thrive just as well as those in traditional pots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering, especially in jars without drainage holes.
- Using garden soil instead of potting mix, which compacts and limits root growth.
- Planting species that grow too large for jar containers.
- Forgetting to clean jars before use, which may introduce bacteria or pests.
Avoiding these mistakes helps your repurposed jars succeed as planters.
FAQs About Repurposing Jars for Plants
1. Do I need to drill holes in jars for drainage?
No, you can use layers of pebbles and charcoal instead. Just be careful with watering.
2. Which plants grow best in jars?
Herbs, succulents, small flowers, and indoor plants like pothos or spider plants grow well in jars.
3. Can I keep jar planters outdoors?
Yes, but avoid placing glass jars in areas with extreme sun or frost, as they can crack or overheat roots.
4. How do I stop jars from looking plain?
Decorate them with paint, fabric, or twine to suit your garden’s style.
5. Can old food jars be used safely for plants?
Yes, as long as they’re cleaned thoroughly and free from harmful residues.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to repurpose old jars for plants is a simple, eco-friendly way to create unique planters while reducing waste. Whether you grow herbs on a windowsill, succulents in decorative jars, or hang planters from your balcony, these projects prove that sustainability and beauty go hand in hand. With a little imagination, your old jars can become the highlight of your home or garden.