DIY Mason Jar Hydroponics System

Most people have an extra Mason jar lying around at home, and there are so many ways to reuse them. Here, you'll find an easy, inexpensive way to create a hydroponics system with one! Hydroponics systems are advantageous for home use because they are simple, mess-free, and allow you to grow plants with minimal space. With this Instructable you can make one for under $20!

1. Primer
2. Acrylic Paint
3. Quart-Sized Mason Jar
4. 3D-Printed Growing Pot (file attached)
5. Liquid Plant Food
6. Herb Cutting (see Step 1)
7. Clay Pebbles

First, pick the herb that you will grow. I used mint; herbs such as basil, chives, cilantro, parsley, dill, thyme, or rosemary are other great options!

1. Cut a 4- to 6- inch sprig of your selected herb.
2. Strip off the leaves from the bottom 2" of the sprig.
3. Place the stem in a glass of water until Step 5. The water should be about 1.5" deep.

First, tape off the threads of the mason jar, so no paint affects them (1). Then, paint the outside of the jar with a foam paintbrush, as well as the top of the 3D-printed growing pot (2). Start with a layer of primer, so the acrylic paint sticks to the jar.

This process is done so that no sunlight reaches the inside of the Mason jar. We don't want any algae growing inside the hydroponics system! Any color will do, as long as it is opaque.

After the paint has dried, fill the Mason jar almost all the way with water. Only a few more steps to go!

Add 1/2 teaspoon of the Liquid Plant Food to your Mason jar.

It's time to plant your sprig! Start by filling the growing pot about halfway with clay pebbles (1). Then, gently holding the sprig in place, pour the remaining clay pebbles until they fill up the pot (2). Your plant should stand on its own now!

It's time for the final assembly! Place the growing pot on the top of the Mason jar. Then screw on the lid and you're done!

To care for your plant, add 1/2 teaspoon of the Liquid Plant Food to the water, every two weeks. Sunlight needs will vary plant to plant. Enjoy your new hydroponics system!