How to Grow Herbs in Mason Jars

I have a black thumb. If you don't believe me, ask the aloe plant that I killed. Aloe plants are supposed to be very easy to care for. From now on, I can only keep the absolutely easiest-to-care-for plants in my house. Like bamboo. No one can kill bamboo. I think.

But I grew herbs. Okay, so I didn't start them from seeds (well, I did but those died), but it still counts...right? 

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Rosemary, Basil, Chives, Mint

If you love herbs as much as I do and want to try to grow your own, especially if you have limited space or a black thumb, this is the way to go. This idea came from Pinterest, although I'm not sure of the original source. I don't have a personal Pinterest account (and I just joined for my blog - join me here), but a friend told me about this so I wanted to try it out. I don't take credit for this idea, so if this was your idea, thank you. I'm guessing it was probably Martha Stewart. (Kidding!)

Now I'm not sure if rocks were added, but I figure it will help with drainage, so we're going to do that here. Mine have been holding strong for a few weeks now and I have great hope they will live long lives. Well, until I eat them. (Full disclosure: my cilantro died. Supposedly it doesn't transplant well. I did successfully grow some from seed outside.

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How to Grow Herbs in Mason Jars

What you need:

Mason jars (I used these wide mouth quart size ones.)
Organic potting soil
Choice of herbs (I found potted organic herbs in the grocery store.)
Small rocks/pebbles (I bought mine at World Market, but you can also find them on Amazon or in maybe even in your yard.)

How to make:

Fill bottom of mason jars with rocks or pebbles, allowing at least an inch or two of rocks for water drainage. Optional: add a layer of activated charcoal to prevent mold growth. Add soil, leaving room for herb roots. Remove herbs from container. With your hand, gently loosen the soil surrounding the roots and place in the jar, adding more soil as necessary to cover the roots. Do not pack the soil. (You could also try planting seedlings or seeds directly in the jars.) You can also use some tape or other material to label the herbs if you'd like.Water lightly and place in a sunny window or other sunny location.

Update: Add a layer of activated charcoal after adding the rocks/pebbles to prevent mold growth. You can find it here or a pet store or possibly a health food store. I will be trying this and will update post with the results.



Now don't ask me about trimming and keeping these herbs growing. Go here and here for more on that.

And if you don't want to plant herbs, did you know that you can regrow certain vegetables like carrots and green onions? Check it out HERE. (I've tried the green onions, but not the others yet.)


Keep your herbs fresh longer: For when you buy bunches of herbs (that you aren't planting), go HERE for a tip on keeping them fresh longer. It really works. I always keep a bunch of parsley and cilantro in my fridge and they last almost a month this way.

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Yes, they are propped up on a Vitacost box -- for now. I had to get them in the sun somehow.

Shared at: Natural Living Monday

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