If you want to grow your favorite herbs in a special way, you are in the right place. Here are 9 Best Herbs to Grow In Glass Mason Jars that you will fall in love with. All herbs are easy to grow and just need minimal care to thrive. In my experience, mason jar gardening has become one of the most rewarding ways to keep fresh herbs within arm’s reach while adding rustic charm to my kitchen.
That is the reason why they can be grown in many ways. And growing in mason jars is one of the great ways that not only gives you always fresh herbs but is also perfect for decorating the house. The transparency of glass allows you to observe root development and soil moisture levels easily. I’ve found that this visual connection to the growing process makes herb gardening more engaging and educational for beginners.
Instead of growing your herbs in normal pots, it’s time to replace them with empty mason jars. They are humble mason jars but are so incredibly versatile planters that suit modern and vintage aesthetics alike. The uniform shape creates cohesive displays when grouped together on windowsills or countertops. In my kitchen design ideas, I often use labeled mason jars to create functional herb stations that double as decorative elements.
Growing these herbs in the planter will help to free your space in the garden and you will grow more different types of herbs. So, when your mason jars are unused, don’t toss them in the trash, let’s try growing some herbs! This upcycling approach aligns perfectly with sustainable gardening practices that reduce waste while producing food. I’ve transformed dozens of old canning jars into thriving mini herb gardens that bring life to my indoor spaces.
#1 Thyme
Source: Tigershakti
This herb does well anywhere as long as it gets plenty of part sun. It can grow around 5-12 inches, and once it grows 5-6 inches high, you can harvest it. Thyme prefers well-draining soil and doesn’t tolerate waterlogged conditions well. In my mason jar setups, I add extra perlite to ensure the roots never sit in moisture.
#2 Mint
Source: Cocoandseed
No need for gardens or containers, this mint can grow well in small spaces of glass mason jars or wine bottles. Mint is notoriously invasive, so growing it in contained jars actually prevents it from taking over your garden. The refreshing aroma fills the room when you brush against the leaves. I keep several jars of different mint varieties on my windowsill for easy access to fresh tea ingredients.
#3 Basil
Source: Pepperinfo
Basil can grow in big mason jars as long as it receives the moist growing medium and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun. You also can grow it in water easily using hydroponic methods. Pinching back the top leaves encourages bushier growth and prevents early flowering. In my experience, basil grown in jars stays more compact and manageable than garden-grown specimens.
#4 Parsley
Source: Happysprout
Parsley grows well in mason jars and when it gets 4-6 inches in length, it’s also time to harvest with the first young and tender leaves. Both flat-leaf and curly varieties adapt beautifully to container culture. The deep taproot needs a taller jar to accommodate its growth pattern. I find that parsley grown indoors in jars often produces more tender foliage than outdoor plants.
#5 Sage
Source: Diyinspired
Thanks to the shallow roots, sage can grow well in a mason jar. Its leaves with a peppery flavor are a great addition to many dishes, especially poultry and stuffing. The silvery-green foliage creates beautiful visual contrast against clear glass. I love using sage from my jar garden for making aromatic herb bundles.
#6 Marjoram
Source: Thespruce
With the shallow roots, the marjoram herb is suitable for growing in jars. Give it a sunny spot that gets 5-6 hours of bright direct sunlight per day for optimal flavor development. This delicate herb prefers slightly drier conditions than other Mediterranean herbs. In my kitchen garden, marjoram jars sit closest to the window to maximize light exposure.
#7 Cilantro
Source: Joyfulhomemaking
Cilantro is an aromatic herb with a fresh citrusy flavor that enhances salsa and Asian dishes. The herb can reach 2 feet tall but also grows well in the small spaces of mason jars with regular harvesting. You can start growing it from seeds or cuttings depending on your preference. I succession-plant cilantro seeds every few weeks to ensure continuous harvest from my jar herb garden setup.
#8 Oregano
Source: Eighteen25
Oregano can be grown easily in mason jars as long as placed in spots that get 3-4 hours of direct sun. This hardy perennial actually prefers slightly cramped conditions that encourage more intense flavor concentration. The trailing habit looks beautiful cascading over jar edges. I find that oregano grown in jars requires less watering than in open garden soil.
#9 Chives
Source: Pinterest
This herb is a low-maintenance perennial that can do well in mason jars. Also, for the best flavor, let’s give the pot a sunny location like a windowsill. The grass-like foliage and purple pom-pom flowers create attractive visual interest. I snip chives regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plants from becoming woody.
