Have you ever dreamed of having fresh herbs within arm’s reach, no matter how small your space is?
With a mason jar herb garden, you can bring your favorite flavors right into your kitchen or windowsill. It’s compact, easy to care for, and a charming addition to any room.
Plus, this little garden is sustainable, reusable, and beautifully rustic. I’ve created my own, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like snipping fresh herbs on the spot for a meal.
Materials You’ll Need
- Mason jars: Choose 16 oz or larger jars.
- Pebbles or small stones: These go at the bottom to help with drainage.
- Activated carcoal (optional)
- Potting soil
- Herb seeds or seedlings
- Tools: A small spoon or trowel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Mason Jar Herb Garden
Step 1: Prepare the Mason Jars
Start with a layer of pebbles or small stones at the bottom of each jar about 1 inch deep to create a bit of drainage, so your herb roots don’t end up sitting in water, which can lead to rot.
If you have it, sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles; it helps absorb moisture and keeps things fresh in case of over-watering.
Step 2: Add the Potting Soil
Now, carefully add the potting soil, you need to fill each jar, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
Make sure to pat the soil gently, but don’t pack it down too tightly, herb roots like some breathing room.
Step 3: Plant Your Herbs
If you’re using seeds, plant them according to the instructions on the packet (usually about 1/4 inch deep).
If you’re starting with seedlings, make a small hole in the soil, place the seedling in, and lightly press the soil around it to secure it.
Tip: Stick to one herb per jar, as these containers are small and each herb needs space to spread its roots.
Step 4: Place the Jars in the Right Location
Most herbs thrive with around 6 hours of sunlight each day. You should keep mine on a windowsill that gets morning light.
If you don’t have a spot with enough natural light, you could always supplement with a small grow light.
Step 5: Watering and Care Tips
Since mason jars don’t have drainage holes, you use a spray bottle to lightly mist the soil every few days or whenever it starts to feel dry.
In addition, a small amount of liquid fertilizer once a month can help your herbs thrive and regularly pinch back leaves to encourage bushier growth.
Tips for Success with Your Mason Jar Herb Garden
Here are a few extra tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Pick the right herbs: Some herbs, like basil and chives, grow better in small spaces, while others need deeper roots.
- Avoid mold: Too much water can cause mold to grow in the jars. If you notice this, let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.
- Label your jars: This sounds simple, but it’s easy to mix up herbs when they’re young. I use chalkboard stickers for a cute, rustic look.
