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DIYPublished October 2, 2025
Easy Home DIY Project on a Budget: Mason Jar Herb Garden
If you’ve been itching to spruce up your home without spending a fortune, a mason jar herb garden is the perfect DIY project to start with. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also functional, stylish, and surprisingly easy to put together. Imagine plucking fresh basil or parsley right from your kitchen windowsill—it’s as practical as it is pretty!
Why a Mason Jar Herb Garden?
- Affordable: Mason jars are inexpensive and can even be upcycled from old sauces or jams.
- Space-Saving: Perfect for small apartments, kitchens, or homes without much yard space.
- Customizable: Choose any herbs you love—basil, cilantro, thyme, mint, or chives.
- Decorative: They add a touch of greenery and charm to your space.
What You’ll Need
- Mason jars (or any small glass jars you already have)
- Potting soil
- Small pebbles or rocks (for drainage)
- Herb seeds or starter plants
- Chalkboard labels or paint (optional, for labeling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Jars:
Wash and dry your jars thoroughly. Place a layer of small pebbles at the bottom—this helps with drainage since jars don’t have holes like traditional pots.
2. Add Soil:
Fill the jar about two-thirds full with potting soil.
3. Plant Herbs:
Add your herb seeds or starter plants. If planting seeds, check the packet for how deep they should go.
4. Top It Off:
Add more soil to secure the plant and pat it down gently. Leave a little space at the top for watering.
5. Label Your Jars:
Use chalkboard paint or simple labels to mark which herb is in which jar. This adds a cute, rustic touch.
6. Water & Place:
Water lightly (don’t overdo it), then place the jars in a sunny spot like your kitchen windowsill. Most herbs need 6–8 hours of sunlight a day.
Tips for Success
- Rotate your jars every few days so all sides get sunlight.
- Don’t drown your herbs—since jars don’t drain, less water is better.
- Snip herbs often! Regular trimming encourages growth.
Budget Breakdown
- Mason jars: $1–$2 each (or free if you reuse old ones!)
- Herb seeds: $1–$3 per packet
- Potting soil: $5–$10 for a bag (enough for multiple jars)
- Rocks/pebbles: Free if you grab them from outside
For less than $20, you’ll have a cute and useful herb garden right in your home.
Final Thought:
This mason jar herb garden not only saves money but also brings a little freshness and life into your home. It’s a great beginner project if you’re new to DIY, and it makes for a fun family activity, too.
