Learning how to grow herbs in mason jars indoors is one of my favorite ways to have fresh herbs year-round! I started doing this when I moved to a smaller place and didn’t have much outdoor garden space. Now I keep mason jars full of herbs on my kitchen windowsill, and I honestly can’t imagine cooking without them. “how to Grow Herbs in Mason Jars Indoors” is a popular choice for gardeners.
The best part is how simple it really is. You don’t need fancy equipment or a green thumb to get started. Mason jars are perfect because they’re the right size for most herbs, they look cute on your counter, and you probably already have some sitting in your pantry.
Best Herbs for Growing in Mason Jars Indoors
When you’re just starting to grow herbs in mason jars indoors, I always recommend beginning with the easy ones. Basil is absolutely my top pick because it grows super fast and you’ll use it constantly in cooking. I’ve had basil plants that kept producing for months with just basic care.
Mint is another fantastic choice, though I learned the hard way to keep it contained! This stuff grows like crazy, which is actually perfect for jar growing since the container naturally limits its spread. Fresh mint in your morning tea or evening mojito is pure heaven.
Cilantro and parsley are also great for beginners. They don’t need as much light as some herbs, so they’re forgiving if your windowsill isn’t super bright. Plus, you’ll go through these herbs quickly in cooking, so you’ll always have an excuse to harvest and enjoy them fresh.
Chives are practically foolproof and keep producing all season long. I love snipping them fresh onto scrambled eggs or baked potatoes. They’re like having your own little green onion factory right on your counter.
Setting Up Your Mason Jar Herb Garden
You might also enjoy: How to Grow Japanese Painted Fern (athyrium Niponicum) in Shade Gardens
The setup for how to grow herbs in mason jars indoors is surprisingly straightforward. I use regular wide-mouth mason jars because they give the roots more room to spread out. You’ll want to drill a few drainage holes in the bottom, or you can layer some small stones at the bottom if you’re nervous about drilling glass.
Fill your jars about three-quarters full with good potting soil. I learned not to use garden soil because it’s too heavy and doesn’t drain well in containers. Regular potting mix works perfectly and gives your herbs the nutrients they need to thrive.
For starting your herbs, you can either plant seeds directly or use small seedlings from the nursery. I usually go with seedlings because I’m impatient and want herbs right away! If you’re using seeds, just follow the packet directions for planting depth.
Daily Care and Maintenance Tips
The key to successfully growing herbs in mason jars indoors is getting the watering just right. I check my jars every few days by sticking my finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. In Florida’s humidity, I usually water every 3-4 days, but your schedule might be different depending on your climate.
Light is super important for healthy herb growth. I keep my jars on a south-facing windowsill where they get at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your windows don’t get enough light, a simple grow light works wonders. I’ve used LED grow lights during our darker winter months with great success.
Harvesting is the fun part, and doing it regularly actually helps your plants grow bushier! I pinch off stems from the top, which encourages the plant to branch out and produce more leaves. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once, though. I learned that lesson when I got too excited and nearly killed my first basil plant.
Feeding your herbs every few weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer keeps them happy and productive. I use about half the recommended strength because container plants don’t need as much as garden plants.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best care, you might run into some issues when growing herbs indoors. Yellow leaves usually mean you’re overwatering, which I definitely did when I first started! If this happens, cut back on watering and make sure your drainage is working properly.
If your herbs are getting leggy and pale, they probably need more light. I’ve moved my jars around my house to find the brightest spots, and sometimes that means relocating them seasonally as the sun’s angle changes.
Pests can occasionally be a problem, especially if you bring plants in from outside. I’ve dealt with tiny aphids before, and a gentle spray with soapy water usually takes care of them. Here in Florida, I’m always watching for spider mites during our hot, dry spells.
Root-bound plants will start looking stunted even with good care. When you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time to either transplant to a bigger container or start fresh with new seedlings. University extension guides suggest this usually happens every 6-8 months with most herbs.
Growing your own herbs in mason jars is honestly one of the most rewarding indoor gardening projects you can try. There’s nothing quite like snipping fresh basil for your pasta sauce or grabbing some mint for your afternoon tea. The jars look adorable lined up on your windowsill, and you’ll save money on those expensive little herb packages from the grocery store.
Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect! I killed more than a few herbs when I was learning how to grow herbs in mason jars indoors, but each time I got a little better. Start with one or two easy herbs, get comfortable with the routine, and then expand your collection as your confidence grows.
