I absolutely love how to grow herbs in mason jars indoors because it’s such a perfect way to have fresh herbs year-round! Mason jars are not only adorable on your windowsill, but they’re also the perfect size for most herbs. You don’t need a big garden or fancy equipment to get started. “how to Grow Herbs in Mason Jars Indoors” is a popular choice for gardeners.
The best part about growing herbs this way is that you can keep them right in your kitchen where you need them most. I started doing this a few years ago when I moved to a place with limited outdoor space. Now I can’t imagine cooking without my little jar herb garden!
Choosing the Right Herbs to Grow in Mason Jars Indoors
Not all herbs are created equal when it comes to container growing, and some work way better in mason jars than others. I’ve had the best luck with basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, and oregano. These herbs have smaller root systems and don’t mind being in a more compact space.
Basil is probably my favorite herb to grow in jars because it grows so fast and smells incredible. I can harvest leaves within just a few weeks of planting! Cilantro is another winner, especially if you love Mexican food like I do.
Avoid herbs like rosemary or sage in mason jars because they get too big and need more root space. Mint can work, but be careful because it spreads like crazy and might take over your jar. I learned that lesson the hard way when my mint completely crowded out my parsley!
The key is choosing herbs that stay relatively compact and have shallow root systems. University extension services often have great lists of herbs that work well for indoor growing.
Setting Up Your Mason Jar Herb Garden Indoors
Also read: How to Grow Basil Indoors
Getting your jars ready is super easy, but there are a few important steps you can’t skip. First, you need drainage holes in your mason jars, which sounds scary but isn’t too bad. I use a drill with a masonry bit and go slowly to avoid cracking the glass.
If drilling sounds too intimidating, you can use the double-jar method instead. Put a smaller jar or container inside your mason jar with drainage holes, then water carefully so excess water sits in the bottom jar. This way you avoid overwatering, which kills more herbs than anything else.
For soil, I use a good quality potting mix, not garden soil. Garden soil gets too heavy and doesn’t drain well in containers. I like to mix in a little perlite to help with drainage, especially here in Florida where our humidity can make things stay wet longer.
Fill your jars about three-quarters full with soil, leaving room for your plants and watering. Don’t pack the soil down too much because roots need air spaces to grow properly.
How to Care for Herbs Growing in Mason Jars Indoors
The biggest mistake people make when learning how to grow herbs in mason jars indoors is overwatering. These little containers don’t need as much water as you think! I check the soil with my finger, and if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
Light is super important for indoor herb growing. Most herbs need at least 4-6 hours of bright light daily. I put my jars on a south-facing windowsill where they get morning sun, but not the harsh afternoon heat that can fry them.
If you don’t have enough natural light, a grow light works great. I use one during our Florida summer when it’s too hot to keep plants by the window. Just keep the light about 6-12 inches above your herbs and run it for 12-14 hours a day.
Feeding your herbs is pretty simple in jars. I use a diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month, mixing it at half the recommended strength. Too much fertilizer actually makes herbs taste less flavorful, so less is definitely more here.
Harvesting and Maintaining Your Indoor Herb Garden
The best part about growing herbs is harvesting them, and the good news is that regular harvesting actually makes your plants grow better! I start pinching off leaves when my plants are about 4-6 inches tall. Always harvest from the top and work your way down.
For basil, pinch off the flower buds as soon as you see them. This keeps the plant focusing on leaf production instead of going to seed. I harvest basil leaves almost daily during peak growing season, and the plant just keeps producing more.
Cilantro is a bit different because it goes to seed quickly, especially in warm weather. I plant new cilantro seeds every few weeks to have a continuous supply. The flowers are actually edible and taste like mild cilantro, so don’t worry if some plants bolt.
Keep an eye out for pests, even indoors. Common indoor herb pests include aphids and spider mites, but they’re usually easy to control with insecticidal soap or just wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.
Learning how to grow herbs in mason jars indoors has completely changed my cooking game. There’s nothing like stepping into the kitchen and snipping fresh basil for your pasta or grabbing cilantro for tacos. The flavors are so much better than store-bought herbs, and you know exactly how they were grown.
Start with just one or two herbs that you use most often in cooking. Once you see how easy and rewarding it is, you’ll probably want to expand your collection like I did!
