by MICHELLE LAU
Credit: Sarah Crowley
While we could go on and on (and on!) debating the best jarred salsa out there, that’s not what this post is about. Instead, we’re here to talk about what to do after you’ve used up all of that tasty goodness and scraped the bottom of the jar.
So what exactly do you do with an empty salsa jar before you throw it into the recycle bin? You upcycle it! And today’s idea is a total stunner.
Credit: Sarah Crowley
Use an empty salsa jar to create your own terrarium.
Inspired by the beauty of container gardening, we’ve come up with a cool project. It’s turning your empty salsa jar into an impressive open terrarium-inspired planter. It’s a great way to bring the outdoors in. Here’s how to make your own simple mini garden to enjoy all season long.
What You Need
Soil
Cleaned and empty glass salsa jar
Pebbles and potting charcoal
Plants of your choosing
Plastic spoon or wooden chopstick
Funnel (optional)
Scissors
Instructions
When selecting your terrarium plants, choose greenery with varying foliage shapes and heights. Of course, whatever you select should be small enough to fit in your container — without touching the sides of the jar.
A terrarium container has no drainage holes, so think about creating a healthy foundation. (The conditions all depend on which plant you select.) You can start with a little gravel or crushed stone at the bottom of the terrarium. Or you could add in a layer of charcoal to keep the soil fresh.
Next, add a layer of sheet moss before you add your soil. Depending on the size of your jar, keep the soil level low enough so that the plants you select will still have room to grow. If you have a small funnel, you can easily add soil without making a mess.
Before digging in, make sure you map out where each plant will go, leaving space in between for growth. Make a small indentation in the soil with your spoon. If you don’t have a plastic spoon, a wooden chopstick also makes a convenient way to poke a hole. Then, trim off any yellowed leaves and carefully plant the root into your soil. It’ll help if you gently brush off any extra soil on the roots before repotting.
Once you plant the roots, pat down the soil around the plant with the back of the spoon.
Then add a few fun elements like rocks or small figurines. Make your terrarium unique!
Last of all, step back and admire your work, and don’t forget to water your green beauty.