Mason jars are glass jars that are great for storing food or beverages. They also make excellent planters. But are they safe for growing plants from seed?
Mason jars are widely used for storing food and drinks. They come in various sizes and shapes. Some even have lids that screw onto them.
Planting seeds inside a jar is a great way to start a garden. The soil stays moist and protected from pests. Plus, you don’t have to worry about watering the seedlings because the water drains out through the bottom of the container.
But there are some things you need to know before using your mason jar as a seed pot.
What Are Mason Jars Made Of?
Mason jars were first made with clay. However, today’s mason jars are usually made of glass. Glass jars are a great material to use as they are hardy and durable. It can also be easily cleaned up if it gets dirty.
However, glass has one major drawback: it doesn’t allow air circulation around the roots of the plant. This means that the roots will grow slowly and won’t get enough oxygen.
This problem can be solved by filling the jar with pebbles or small stones. These help keep the soil moist while allowing air to circulate.
You should avoid using a plastic container when planting seeds. Plastic may leach chemicals into the soil. This could harm the health of your plants.
How To Use A Mason Jar As A Plant Pot
The best thing about using a mason jar as a planter is that you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is a pair of scissors and a drill.
First, cut off the top of the jar so that it fits over the plant. Then, use the scissors to remove the lid. Next, fill the jar with pebble-filled soil. You may want to add some compost or fertilizer to this mixture.
Next, place the plant into the jar. Make sure the roots are hanging outside of the jar. If not, trim them down until they fit.
Finally, put on the lid and secure it with screws. Now, you just need to wait for the plant to grow!
There’s nothing more satisfying than a whole kitchen full of ready-to-eat fresh herbs!
Tips For Growing In Mason Jars
Growing plants in a mason jar can require patience. It takes time for the plant to develop its full potential.
If you want to speed up the process, try these tips:
• Keep the soil mixture moist but not wet.
• Don’t let the soil dry out completely.
• Add more nutrients when needed.
• Water regularly.
• Wait until the plant starts showing signs of growth before transplanting it outdoors.
Can I Grow Vegetables Inside Mason Jars?
Yes, you can grow vegetables in a mason jar. Just follow the same steps described above.
However, since you aren’t going to be able to control how much light the plant receives, you should choose a variety that grows well under low light conditions.
For example, tomatoes like the heat and humidity of a greenhouse. On the other hand, peppers prefer cooler temperatures. Herb seeds are the best thing to get started with if you’re looking for an easy introduction.
You can find information about which varieties work best in different climates at gardening websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a handy selection of FAQs about what you can do with mason jars for gardening!
Do Mason Jars Work With Seeds?
Yes, you definitely can plant seeds in a mason jar!
Just make sure that the seeds are covered with a layer of fine gravel or sand and some potting soil. This helps prevent the seeds from drying out.
When growing seeds, remember to keep the soil mixture moist but never too wet. Also, make sure to fertilize the seeds after they sprout.
Once the seeds sprout, you can transfer them to another container.
Another option is to plant multiple seeds at once. That way, you can harvest several crops at once. It’s easy to grow your own herbs from seed so why not give that a whirl?
When Should I Start My Plants From Seed?
It depends on what kind of plant you are growing. Some plants like basil require long periods of cold weather to germinate.
On the other hand, others such as lettuce start growing right away.
To figure out when to start your seedlings, check the instructions included with the seed packet.
In general, most seeds take between 7 days and 2 weeks to germinate. Once they do, you can move them to a larger pot. This can also depend on the quality of seeds as well.
How Long Do Mason Jars Last?
Mason jars last indefinitely if properly cared for. However, they tend to get moldy after a few years.
This happens because the rubber seal slowly deteriorates over time.
To avoid this, store your jars in a cool, dark area. Also, wash them thoroughly before storing them.
List Of Plants You Can Grow In A Mason Jar:
- Basil
- Beans
- Beets
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Turnips
- Zucchini
- Sweet Corn
- Lettuce
- Celery
- Onion
- Parsley
- Chives
- Dandelion
- Kale
- Mint
- Mustard
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Sunflower
- Tarragon
- Thyme
This list goes on!
Final Thoughts
The best thing about growing your own food is that you know exactly where it came from. You also have complete control over the quality of the produce. Whether you use a mason jar for gardening or any other purpose, it will always serve you well.
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