Learning how to grow herbs in mason jars for small kitchens is honestly one of the best decisions I made when I moved to my tiny Florida apartment. These cute little gardens don’t take up much counter space, but they give you fresh herbs whenever you need them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve grabbed fresh basil for my pasta or mint for my iced tea right from my windowsill! How to Grow Herbs in Mason Jars for Small Kitchens is a popular choice for gardeners.
Mason jar herb gardens are perfect for renters, college students, or anyone dealing with limited kitchen space. You don’t need a yard, fancy equipment, or even much experience to get started.
Why Mason Jars Work Perfectly for Growing Herbs in Small Kitchens
I started growing herbs in mason jars because my kitchen window was the only sunny spot in my apartment. Regular pots were too bulky and took up precious counter real estate. Mason jars, on the other hand, fit perfectly on narrow windowsills and look adorable doing it.
The clear glass lets you see exactly what’s happening with the roots, which is super helpful when you’re learning. I can tell at a glance if the water level is right or if the roots need more room. Plus, the wide mouth makes it easy to change water and harvest your herbs without making a mess.
Mason jars are also incredibly affordable compared to fancy hydroponic systems. You probably already have some in your kitchen, or you can grab a pack at the dollar store. I love that they’re reusable and eco-friendly too.
The best part? These little herb gardens actually produce more than you’d expect. My basil plants in mason jars often outperform the ones I grow in regular pots because the roots get constant access to water and nutrients.
Best Herbs to Grow in Mason Jars for Small Kitchen Gardens
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Not all herbs work well in mason jars, so I’ve learned which ones thrive through trial and error. Basil is absolutely my top pick because it roots quickly and grows like crazy in water. I’ve had basil plants in mason jars that lasted months and provided endless leaves for cooking.
Mint is another winner, though be warned that it grows so fast you’ll be making mojitos every weekend! I keep my mint in a separate jar because it can get aggressive and crowd out other herbs. Green onions are practically foolproof and regrow from kitchen scraps, making them perfect for beginners.
Cilantro works well if you harvest it regularly, and oregano develops a really robust flavor when grown this way. I’ve also had good luck with parsley, though it takes a bit longer to get established than the others.
Avoid woody herbs like rosemary or thyme in mason jars because they prefer soil and don’t do well in water long-term. Sage is another one I’d skip for jar growing, though it’s fantastic in regular pots.
How to Set Up Your Mason Jar Herb Garden for Small Kitchens
Setting up your mason jar herb garden is surprisingly simple, and I promise you don’t need any special skills. Start with clean mason jars and fill them about two-thirds full with filtered or distilled water. Tap water works too, but let it sit overnight first so the chlorine evaporates.
For herbs like basil and mint, you can start with cuttings from the grocery store or existing plants. Just snip a 4-inch stem below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves. Pop the cutting into your jar, making sure no leaves touch the water or they’ll rot.
If you’re starting from seeds, you’ll need to sprout them first using the paper towel method. I wet a paper towel, place the seeds inside, and keep it in a warm spot until they germinate. Once you see little roots, you can transfer them to your mason jars.
Place your jars in a sunny window that gets at least 4-6 hours of light daily. Here in Florida, I have to be careful about afternoon sun because it can get too intense and actually cook the roots. East or west-facing windows usually work best.
Change the water every 3-5 days to prevent algae and keep your herbs happy. I learned this the hard way when my first basil plant got slimy and gross because I forgot to change the water for two weeks!
Caring for Your Mason Jar Herbs
Once your herbs are established, caring for them is pretty straightforward. The most important thing is maintaining the right water level and keeping it fresh. I check my jars every few days and top off the water as needed.
If you notice algae growing on the glass, don’t panic! It happens, especially in bright light. Just rinse the jar thoroughly and refill with fresh water. You can also wrap the jars in paper or fabric to block light from reaching the roots, which helps prevent algae.
Harvest your herbs regularly to encourage new growth. I pinch off leaves and stems right above where new shoots are forming. The more you harvest, the bushier your plants will become. It’s like giving them a haircut that makes them grow back stronger!
Watch for any yellowing or wilting leaves and remove them immediately. These can rot and contaminate your water, which nobody wants. If your herbs start looking leggy or weak, they might need more light or fresh water.
Don’t forget to give your plants a gentle shake occasionally to keep the water oxygenated. I learned this tip from a University of Minnesota extension guide and noticed my herbs stayed healthier when I remembered to do it.
Learning how to grow herbs in mason jars for small kitchens has completely changed my cooking game. I use fresh herbs in everything now because they’re literally right there on my windowsill. There’s something so satisfying about snipping fresh basil for your pizza or grabbing mint for your morning smoothie.
Start with just one or two jars to get the hang of it, then expand your collection as you gain confidence. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving mini herb garden that fits perfectly in your small kitchen and provides fresh flavors year-round!
