Herbs are a kitchen staple that's easy to grow. They're great for beginners because they don't require a lot of space and can be grown from seed or purchased from the store.
If you have an empty glass jar lying around, you can turn it into your own herb planter! Just remember to give your herbs a drink of water daily.
1. Mason jars
If you have old glass canning jars or other types of glass jars, they make great herb garden planters. The clear jars allow you to easily see when the herbs need watering. To make sure the jars have adequate drainage, you may need to drill holes in the jar lid.
The jars should be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned before using for herb growing. If you have labels on your jars, remove them and soak the jar in warm water with dish soap to loosen any stuck-on bits of food or residue. After the jars are dry, you can paint them with a coat of white gloss paint to create a modern look or add chalk paint for a more rustic appearance. Choose a color that coordinates with your home décor.
2. Mason jar lids
With a little sunshine and water, herbs are easy to grow. This DIY planter lets you cultivate them indoors so you can easily reach for a sprig when cooking. You'll need mason jars, potting mix, rocks or pebbles and seeds or seedlings.
Start by adding a layer of rock, gravel or marbles in the bottom of each jar to provide drainage. This helps prevent the roots from getting too wet.
Add a layer of potting mix to the jars, filling them about three-quarters of the way. Be sure to leave enough space at the top to plant your herbs. Water the jars regularly but avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can kill plants. As the herbs grow, it may be necessary to thin out crowded seedlings.
3. Mason jar labels
A few basic shelves and some spare jars make the perfect indoor herb garden. Cultivating herbs this way avoids messy, tangled outdoor gardening and keeps the kitchen stocked with fresh leaves all year round. Valentine's Day glass gift It’s also a great gift for the gardener in your life.
You can use this technique with established herb plants or from seeds. If using seeds, follow the planting instructions on the seed packet for best results. Water the jars lightly as needed, adjusting the frequency based on the season.
Be sure to add some rocks to the bottom of each jar for drainage. If you’re giving the jars as gifts, consider adding a simple label to each one. You could simply wrap a piece of jute twine around the jar and secure it with a tag or a wooden craft stick engraved with the herb name.
4. Mason jar soil
Before planting, rinse out your empty jars and let them dry. You can also paint over the lids with chalk paint for an added design touch (solid color, stripes, or even polka dots).
Then, add a layer of sand about two inches thick. This will help keep the soil regulated and improve drainage.
After the sand layer, add the potting mix. If you’re planting seeds, sprinkle the seeds over top and cover them with more potting mix. Water the soil lightly.
If your jar test results in sandy soil, the water will be clear. This type of soil drains quickly but doesn’t hold nutrients well. If your jar test results in clay-like soil, the water will remain murky. This type of soil retains moisture but can cause problems with soggy plant roots and nutrient imbalances.
5. Mason jar watering can
A Mason jar watering can offers control over how much water you’re pouring, which helps with plants that have different hydration needs. The brass “rose” on the end works like a showerhead, directing the flow of water onto your herbs' soil or leaves.
If you choose to grow herbs from seeds, a layer of rocks, marbles, broken pottery shards or colored stones in the bottom of each jar will help improve drainage and prevent roots from getting too wet. Fill jars with potting mix to about 1 inch (2.5 cm.) below the rim.
Water frequently, and don't let the top of the soil dry out between waterings. Most herbs, including thyme, thrive in this kind of environment. A bit of shade may be helpful for woody herbs like rosemary.
