Don’t Recycle That Old Mason Jar – Try These 9 Clever Ways to Reuse Old Mason Jars in the Garden and Save Money
Mason jars can live on in many ways in the garden. Here are some creative upcycling projects you can try!
I’ve always believed that making a backyard garden is one of the most creative things one can do. Mapping beds, planting seeds, nurturing shrubs – all of these involve imagination and resolution – and, in my book, that spells creativity.
Upcycling is a natural part of creating a beautiful garden space. Items that have worn out their original purpose can usually find a whole new life in the garden – from old car tires to that claw-foot bathtub that doesn’t work in your redesigned bathroom.
Old Mason jars have a place in upcycling too, and we want to start a list of ideas for how to let these cute little glass jars find a happy new life in the garden.
Hello Mason Jars
Fun fact: Mason jars were invented by John Landis Mason well before any of us were born. He introduced the glass jars with screw-on lids in 1858 as home canning aids. Many of us gardeners don’t include home canning in our gardening plans, yet Mason jars keep appearing in our kitchens.
Original Mason jars were made of molded glass and have a threaded metal lid that seals securely to keep the canned veggies airtight. Today, antique old-fashioned jars serve as rustic memorabilia, symbols of pioneer sustainability. But in fact, as long as a jar is glass and offers an air-proof lid, we tend to call it a Mason jar. They remain a popular packaging option.
A classic mason jar will store food, propagate plant cuttings, or serve as candle holder for ambience during outdoor dinner parties in the summer.
Mason Jars in the Garden
Although considered a collector’s item by some, Mason jars are not difficult to find at garage sales and second-hand stores. And brand-new replicas are available in commerce. Assuming you aren’t canning, there will come a time when you want those jars to serve some new purpose - and the garden welcomes them with open arms.
Mason jars can be repurposed in a number of clever, creative ways in the garden. Not only does reusing these glass jars encourage you to think “outside the jar,” it also promotes sustainability.
9 Ways to Upcycle Mason Jars in the Garden
Yes, one of the benefits of upscaling Mason jars in your garden is to give you an outlet for creativity, but we’ll prime the well with a short-list of ideas. Use them as a jumping-off place and let us know what else you come up with.
Here are nine fun things you can do in the landscape with Mason jars.
1. Water for Wildlife
As we mentioned, all Mason jars are waterproof, so that makes them a great “dish” for water around the garden. You can fill those jars with water, poke holes in the metal lid, then suspend it upside down. Bees and other insects will happily come to the jar for a sip.
2. Herb Jars
These tough glass containers make great homes for growing herbs on your kitchen counter. Add potting soil to each jar, then sprinkle with herb seeds. Since the jars are clear glass, they allow sunlight from the kitchen window to stream through to the plant roots. This idea is perfect for herbs you use a lot like basil and parsley.
3. Twilight Candles
It’s hard to find just the right outdoor lighting for the gorgeous moments after sunset. Electric lights are too bright, solar lights too dim. Use your empty Mason jars to create a magical evening ambiance. Add a candle to each jar, then hang them with rustic twine. Suspended from branches or other sturdy supports, they bring a romantic candle-light glow to the garden. You can find small tea light candles from Amazon.
4. Torch Light
Okay, we admit it. Candlelight is not perfect for each and every outdoor gathering. If you are having a noisy party, livelier lights work better. Make Mason jar tiki torches for these occasions. You’ll want to poke a hole in the center of the lid. Then fill the jars with lamp oil and thick wicks, pulling the wicks through the hole in the lid. Mount the torch lights in secure locations, either hung with wire or set on sturdy wood stakes. Light them up and rock and roll. Clean-burning lamp oil and tiki torch wicks can be found at Amazon.
5. Pollinator Water Station
You may be wondering what on earth to do with the Mason jar lids after using the jar for herbs. Here’s the answer: you can use the lids to make small water stations for bees. Just fill the jar lids with small pebbles and water. Place them around your garden. Cute blue and clear glass pebbles can be purchased from Amazon and can be used for other garden crafts, too.
6. Bird Feeders
Mason jars come in many sizes, and you may be struggling with how to repurpose a larger model. It’s for the birds! The idea is to hang the Mason jar on its side. To do this, you’ll need to be creative, using wire or tough rope that won’t rot in the rain. Attach the cord or wire to a tree branch, then fill the containers with seed. Don’t put the lid back on of course! Chewy has a wide selection of bird seed to suit whatever backyard birds you have!
7. Mason Jar Windchimes
Upcycle Mason jars to make musical magic in the back yard. This is truly a creative project, since you can use any recycled materials that appeal to you. Weight the jar with collected river rocks or agates, then make a string harness to hang it on a tree branch. Create five or six long strings of glass beads, small bells, and other music makers, and attach them to the bottom of the harness. They will tinkle and chime in every summer breeze. You can find a variety of small bells at Michaels, there are even some really colorful options!
8. Propagation Station
Many of us gardeners are skipping the plant store and instead making new plants by propagating cuttings. Taller Mason jars are perfect for this effort. Paint them if you like, or decorate them with old necklaces or beads, then fill them with water. Pop the cuttings into the jars and watch the roots grow. Be sure to change out the water regularly.
9. Seed Storage
Do you save seeds from this year’s plants for next year’s garden? If you do, take note: Mason jars are perfect storage units for the seeds. They provide an airtight seal that keeps seeds dry and free from moisture, keeping them viable until planting. It’s a good idea to mark each jar with the type of seeds inside and the date they were collected. Then store the jars in a cool, dark location.
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