How to Grow a Herb Garden in a Mason Jar
Introduction
Growing a herb garden in a mason jar is a fun and easy way to add some greenery and flavor to your kitchen. It’s also a great way to recycle old jars and repurpose them into something useful.
Choosing the Right Herbs
Not all herbs are suited to growing in a mason jar. Some of the best herbs to grow in a jar include:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Thyme
- Rosemary
These herbs have shallow roots and don’t require a lot of space to grow. They also do well in the limited sunlight that a mason jar provides.
Materials You’ll Need
- Mason jars (any size)
- Herbs (see above for suggestions)
- Potting mix
- Water
- Drill (optional)
- Diamond cutting drill bit (optional)
- Cutting oil (optional)
- Broken pottery shards, colored stones, or marbles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Jars
If you’re using new mason jars, you can skip this step. However, if you’re using recycled jars, you’ll need to wash them thoroughly and remove any labels.
- Drill Drainage Holes (Optional)
Drainage holes are essential for preventing your herbs from rotting. If you have a drill, you can drill several 1/8 to 1/4 inch holes in the bottom of the jar. Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when drilling.
If you don’t have a drill, you can simply fill the bottom of the jar with an inch or so of broken pottery shards, colored stones, or marbles. This will help to keep the roots from becoming too wet.
- Fill the Jars with Potting Mix
Fill the jars with a well-draining potting mix. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts sphagnum peat, compost, and sand.
- Plant the Herbs
Make a small hole in the potting mix and gently place the herb plant in the hole. Fill in the hole with potting mix and tamp it down gently.
- Water the Herbs
Water the herbs thoroughly after planting. Allow any excess water to drain out of the holes in the bottom of the jar.
- Place the Jars in a Sunny Spot
Place the jars in a sunny spot where they will get at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Water the herbs regularly, but don’t overwater them. The potting mix should be moist but not soggy.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize the herbs monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pruning: Prune the herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Repotting: As the herbs grow, you may need to repot them into larger jars.
Tips for Success
- Use recycled jars to save money and help the environment.
- Choose herbs that are well-suited to growing in a jar.
- Make sure the jars have adequate drainage.
- Water the herbs regularly, but don’t overwater them.
- Fertilize the herbs monthly.
- Prune the herbs regularly.
- Repot the herbs as needed.
With a little care and attention, your mason jar herb garden will thrive and provide you with fresh herbs for cooking all year long.
