Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Indoor plants

This DIY Mason jar herb garden is the perfect weekend project

Stacey Nguyen
By

Those new to indoor gardening may find it challenging to get started on growing edible plants inside, but this endeavor is a lot easier than you might think. One straightforward and fun way to get started on kitchen container gardening is putting together a DIY Mason jar herb garden. This project is accessible in every way — in addition to being relatively uncomplicated, it’s also affordable and quick to assemble. Plus, you’ll get a beautiful result and consistent supply of fresh herbs at the end. If you’ve always wanted to try growing herbs in Mason jars, keep reading to learn how.

Mason jar

What materials you will need

For this project, you’ll need four items: a Mason jar, bag of potting mix, supply of rocks or pebbles, and packet of seeds. Part of the appeal with Mason or glass jars is that you can see your plants root and grow over time. While Mason jars are relatively inexpensive, you can also save money by upcycling glass containers that previously stored pasta sauce or jam. Since you do want the roots to have space, make sure your jar is at least four inches long. The bigger your vessel, the more room your plants will have to grow.

In addition to the jar, you’ll need the growing medium. Since drilling holes into Mason jars can be tricky and dangerous, you’ll want to make sure you give your plants sufficient drainage with a generous layer of rocks or pebbles. On top of that, add standard potting mix. Amendments such as vermiculite, perlite, and coir can help with aerating roots. You can also use a mix with compost and castings to make sure your plant gets the nutrients that it needs.

Related

Then, of course, you’ll want to have the plants themselves. Both seeds and seedlings can work, although you might risk some transplant shock with new seedlings. It’ll be easiest to grow different types of plants in separate jars to streamline your container garden.

Herbs in mason jars
ktkusmtku/Shutterstock

Now you’re ready to assemble

After you’ve gathered all of your ingredients, the next step is to assemble your Mason herb garden. It shouldn’t take too long, which is why this is the perfect weekend project! Your first step is to fill the bottom one or two inches of your jar with rocks or pebbles for drainage. If you’ve managed to drill a hole in your container, you can skip this step. If not, the gravel will prevent your roots from getting oversaturated with water and dying from root rot.

Next, add your potting mix to your jar, filling it to roughly three-quarters of the way full. You won’t want to pack your soil too densely since this can make it more difficult for your plant to receive the proper water and nutrients it needs to thrive. In this step, you can mix in compost or fertilizer. However, you can also use water-soluble organic fertilizer when you water your plant in the jar.

The final step is to sow your seeds or add your transplanted seedlings. If you’re going in with seeds, sprinkle a few seeds onto the soil, then add half an inch of soil on top. For seedlings, use a chopstick or dowel to carefully dig a hole for the root ball, then cover the bottom with dirt. Water your plant, then leave it by a bright window where it can get at least six hours of sunlight each day. You’ll only want to water when you stick your finger into the jar, and the soil feels dry. Over time, you may want to thin out the weaker plants if you’re starting from seed. If you have multiple plants, you’ll also want to make sure to label the different jars.

Bundles of harvested herbs

Which herbs to include

The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to what kind of herbs you can grow. Some suitable options for a DIY Mason jar herb garden include cilantro, rosemary, dill, mint, chives, and thyme. This project won’t work with deep-rooted veggies such as peppers and beans, but most herbs will be suitable as long as their roots are shallow. Some sites will even sell herb-starting kits (including some with Mason jar containers), but you can likely source the materials for a lower overall cost by exploring your home and local garden center.

Garnish all your favorite dishes with herbs grown right from home. With a Mason jar and some dirt, rocks, and seeds, you can get started on an herb garden right from the comfort of your kitchen. Assembling an herb garden with Mason jars isn’t terribly expensive, and you can yield plenty of herbs with consistent watering and sunlight. With half an hour to spare this weekend, you can get started on growing herbs before you know it.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Is Epsom salt good for houseplants? What you need to know
4 ways to incorporate Epsom salt into your garden
Stacey Nguyen
By Stacey Nguyen
September 20, 2022
Epsom salt

Chances are, you might have heard of the life-changing magic of Epsom salt in gardening. But remember, Epsom salt is nothing like your typical table salt since it's actually magnesium sulfate. So, here's the big question: Is Epsom salt good for houseplants? Although there hasn't been too much research about its benefits, many experienced gardeners swear by Epsom salt for plants.

It's been a go-to for plant enthusiasts for years, so it's worth giving a shot when you want to troubleshoot specific foliage issues for both your indoor and outdoor plants. Keep reading to learn all about the many uses of Epsom salt for potted plants and garden beds — you might just find yourself sprinkling it on your crops! 

Read more
5 companion plants to keep your chive plants company
Plants that pair well with chives in the garden or in the kitchen
Stacey Nguyen
By Stacey Nguyen
September 19, 2022
Growing chives

Chives are easy-going herbs that pack a delicious onion flavor while growing with little fuss. Because these grass-like plants are cold hardy, you can even grow them in the fall. Just after weeks of sowing your seeds, you’ll have a fresh flavor enhancer and garnish at the ready.

Besides their flavor and low-maintenance care, chives also pair well with other plants in the garden, encouraging them to grow and benefiting their health by way of deterring pests. This concept is called companion planting, which is the idea that plants thrive when grown next to each other. If you’re wondering which plants make the best chive companion plants, we’ve rounded up some below to help you plan your garden plot!

Read more
The 5 best companion plants to grow alongside the dill in your garden
Plants that benefit from being next to dill
Stacey Nguyen
By Stacey Nguyen
September 1, 2022
Dill

Dill is a fast-growing annual that makes for a flavorful addition to food as well as a beneficial plant alongside other crops. While it goes to seed quickly, it’s a cold-tolerant herb that grows easily for a delicious garnish all year long. Dill features a sharp anise and citrus flavor, making it a great addition to pastas, salads, soups, and other savory dishes. And yes, it pairs perfectly with your preserved pickles!

Out in your landscape, dill makes for a wonderful addition to gardens because it naturally attracts pollinators, such as bees. This tasty herb also repels unwanted pests, spider mites, aphids, and, notably, cabbage pests, because it attracts predatory insects like ladybugs. Both these qualities make it great for companion planting, which is the concept that some plants can pair together to help encourage growth, repel pests, and attract pollinators. Ahead, we’ve rounded up five of the best dill companion plants so you can plan your garden accordingly.

Read more