The One Cute and Quick DIY You Should Do with an Empty Salsa Jar

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.

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.

• Soil
• Cleaned and empty glass salsa jar
• Pebbles and potting charcoal
• Plants of your choosing
• Plastic spoon or wooden chopstick
• Funnel (optional)
• Scissors

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Once you plant the roots, pat down the soil around the plant with the back of the spoon.
6. Then add a few fun elements like rocks or small figurines. Make your terrarium unique!
7. Last of all, step back and admire your work, and don’t forget to water your green beauty.

Need more details and plant suggestions? Check out How to Make a Terrarium and 6 Best Terrarium Plants for Creating Your Own Mini Greenhouse, According to Pros on Apartment Therapy.

Have you planted a terrarium before? Which type of plant has worked well for you? Tell us your gardening tips in the comments below.

his post originally ran on Kitchn. See it there: The Last Thing You Should Do with an Empty Salsa Jar Before You Recycle It