How to Create a Small Indoor Herb Garden Using Mason Jars

Fresh Herbs made in the house setting. No previous gardening skills are needed.

3-4 wide-mouth mason jars (16 oz recommended)

Fine sand (about 2 cups)

Small decorative stones or gravel (2 cups)

Potting Soil (4 cups)

Herb seeds (basil, cilantro, or parsley work well)

Popsicle sticks

Permanent marker

Small watering container

Measuring cup

Make sure your jars are spotless and put all your materials on a surface covered by paper or paper towels. Provide enough lights for photography and make sure you can quickly give the plants their final watering.

Put about 1 inch of fine sand at the bottom of every mason jar using a measuring cup or a small scoop. Sand mainly works by collecting extra water and guiding it away from the plant roots, which avoid root rot.

Roughly one to two inches of small stones or gravel goes on the top of the sand layer. The sand and secondary drainage system team up to keep water regulated and improve how your herb garden looks. The stones need to be placed on top of each other in a way that there aren’t any gaps.

Make sure to put around 2 inches of good potting soil above the stones you have added. Make sure the top of the pot allows the plant to grow while the roots have room to spread and grow. Gently hit the jar on the bottom to relax the soil into position without squeezing it down.

Place 8 to 10 seeds evenly at the top of the soil. When using basil, cilantro, or parsley, this amount lets most seeds sprout and don’t overgrow each other. Make an effort to space your seeds about 1/2 inch apart if it is possible.

Wrap the seeds with some soil, but do not let too much soil touch them (about 1/4 inch is enough). Put a permanent marker to use and write each herb’s name and planting date on a popsicle stick, afterwards, insert the stick into the soil.

Water the plant at first, allowing the soil just to become moist and not wet. Water should move down the soil columns, illustrating the way the drainage holes work. Sand near the bottom of the tank collects the extra water, stopping it from getting to the plants.

You should put the jars in a well-lit and bright spot like a windowsill or a counter away from direct sunlight. Constantly water your pot each time the topsoil appears dry and feels dry to touch.