How to Make a Thrifty Mason Jar Herb Garden
How to Make a Thrifty Mason Jar Herb Garden
Growing your own herbs doesn’t require a backyard, fancy planters, or a big budget. With a few mason jars, some basic supplies, and a sunny window, you can create a thrifty herb garden that’s both practical and charming. Mason jar herb gardens are perfect for small spaces, apartments, and beginner gardeners—and they make great gifts, too. Best of all, they allow you to enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs year-round without constant costly trips to the grocery store. So go ahead and grab a nice hot cup of coffee and grab your trowel, let’s dig in!
Why Choose a Mason Jar Herb Garden?
Mason jars are affordable, widely available, and endlessly reusable. You can often find them secondhand at thrift stores, yard sales, or even tucked away in your own cabinets. I often save my spaghetti sauce jars, pickled beet jars, even jelly jars, any jars will do. As they say, “waste not, want not,” right? Their clear glass makes it easy to monitor soil moisture and root growth, which is especially helpful for new gardeners. Plus, mason jars fit neatly on windowsills, countertops, or shelves, and in this cold weather, it makes for an ideal indoor garden that you don’t have to wait to plant.
Growing herbs at home also saves money over time. A single packet of seeds costs less than a bundle of fresh herbs from the store and can provide multiple harvests. Even better, harvesting what you need reduces food waste and guarantees the freshest flavor possible.
What You’ll Need
To get started, gather the following inexpensive supplies:
- Mason jars (pint or quart size work well)
- Small stones, gravel, or pebbles
- Potting soil or seed-starting mix
- Herb seeds or small herb plants
- Optional: activated charcoal (for odor control)
- Optional: labels or chalk markers
Most of these items can be found at dollar stores, garden centers, or around your home. If you’re truly going thrifty, reuse gravel from old planters and jars from previous projects.
Preparing the Jars
Since mason jars don’t have drainage holes, proper layering is important to prevent root rot. Start by adding one to two inches of small stones or gravel to the bottom of each jar. This creates a drainage reservoir where excess water can collect away from the roots.
If you have activated charcoal, sprinkle a thin layer over the stones. While optional, charcoal helps absorb odors and keeps the jar fresh over time. Next, fill the jar with potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top to prevent spills during watering.
Choosing the Right Herbs
Not all herbs thrive indoors, but many do exceptionally well in mason jars. Some of the easiest and most reliable choices include:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Chives
- Mint (best grown alone, as it spreads aggressively)
You can start herbs from seeds or use small nursery plants. Seeds are cheaper and offer more variety, while starter plants give you a quicker harvest. If planting seeds, follow the packet instructions for depth and spacing.
Planting and Placement
Plant seeds or seedlings gently, firming the soil around them to remove air pockets. Water lightly until the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Because mason jars lack drainage, it’s important to water sparingly—less is more.
Place your jars in a sunny window that receives at least six hours of light per day. South-facing windows are ideal, but east- or west-facing windows can also work. If natural light is limited, inexpensive LED grow lights can be a budget-friendly alternative.
Caring for Your Herb Garden
Mason jar herb gardens are low-maintenance, but they do require regular attention. Check soil moisture every few days by touching the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, add a small amount of water. Avoid letting jars sit in standing water for long periods.
Trim herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth. For most herbs, never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Frequent harvesting not only improves flavor but also keeps plants from becoming leggy.
Rotate jars every few days so all sides receive equal sunlight. This simple step prevents plants from leaning toward the light and growing unevenly.
Creative and Thrifty Touches
Personalize your mason jar garden without spending extra money. Use twine, scrap fabric, or old ribbon to decorate jars. Chalk labels or masking tape make it easy to identify herbs and add a farmhouse-style look. You can also repurpose old trays or wooden boxes to keep jars organized and protect surfaces from moisture.
A Small Garden with Big Benefits
A thrifty mason jar herb garden proves that gardening doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With minimal investment, you’ll gain fresh ingredients, greener living space, and the satisfaction of growing your own food. Whether you’re seasoning weeknight dinners or simply enjoying the sight of fresh greenery indoors, mason jar herbs are a small project with big rewards!
