Preserve summer flavors with DIY mason jar garden

Quinn Christensen, The Rubicon Print Editor

One of the best things about summer is being able to grow fresh herbs. But why stop when the seasons change? Planting herbs in a mason jar allows a mini garden to grow all year long. Herbs like rosemary, parsley, lemongrass, or basil can easily be grown indoors.

Materials required:

  • A mason jar
  • Either an herb plant or some seeds of choice
  • Gardening gloves
  • Some small rocks
  • Potting soil
  • A spade

To plant an already grown herb plant:

Step 1:  Open the jar and fill it about a quarter of the way up with rocks. This works as drainage and gives the water a chance to evaporate.

Step 2: Fill the jar partway up with potting soil.

Step 3:  Separate out one plant from the little pot the herbs were bought in (there will be about 3 separate plants.) Put the plant into the jar so that the top of the soil sits right below the top of the jar.

Step 4: Add more potting soil around the plant until it fits snugly in the jar.

Step 5: Remove the lid cover so only the ring is left. Fit it over the plant and screw it on to finish.

 To plant herb seeds:

Step 1: Follow steps 1 and 2 of how to plant an herb plant.

Step 2: Sprinkle the seeds over the top of the soil.

Step 3: Add a little more soil on top of the seeds, and add the ring from the lid of the jar.

These mason jar gardens are cute decorations and add a burst of fresh, green color and flavor to enliven any cold winter day. 

Place the jars on a windowsill or shelf that gets plenty of light and water them following the instructions on the seed packet or for the individual herbs.