How to make a container herb garden using Mason jars

Mason jar herb containers with thyme, basil, rosemary and sage.
Materials needed to make the Mason jar herb containers are wide-mouth Mason jars, herbs, potting soil, soil-cover rocks, water and labels.
Step 1: Add about 2 inches of rocks to each jar. Water will be drawn through the soil into the rocks, preventing the soil from becoming moldy.
Step 2: Add potting soil until the jar is two-thirds full. (If you are using seeds, fill all the way, plant your seeds and water.)
Step 3: Remove the herbs from their containers and loosen the dirt around the roots. Gently place the herbs into your jars, with the greenery sticking out.
Step 4: Fill jars to the top with potting soil, tamping around the herbs. Water your herbs and watch the water seep into the rocks.
Step 5: Label your herbs. I used chalkboard wood stakes.

By Denise Smaldino Rainey | drainey@scng.com | Orange County Register

August 30, 2016 at 3:29 p.m.

If you like what fresh herbs can do for your food, you’ll love having them at your fingertips. These Mason jar gardens are attractive, easy to make and small enough to fit on a kitchen windowsill. They make great gifts, too.

Plant perennial herbs such as rosemary and mint any time of the year. Warm-season herbs, including basil and oregano, are best planted through the end of September, and cool-season herbs such as cilantro and dill should be planted between October and April.

I created my herb garden in late July using potted plants of basil, rosemary, thyme and sage. Growing herbs indoors can be tricky, so make sure they are near a window and getting plenty of sun.

Fresh herbs add a special touch to any dish, and these Mason jar gardens will ensure you’ll always have some on hand. They make great gifts too.

Materials

• Wide-mouth Mason jars

• Herbs

• Potting soil

• Soil-cover rocks

• Water

• Labels

Directions

Step 1: Add about 2 inches of rocks to each jar. Water will be drawn through the soil into the rocks, preventing the soil from becoming moldy.

Step 2: Add potting soil until the jar is two-thirds full. (If you are using seeds, fill all the way, plant your seeds and water.)

Step 3: Remove the herbs from their containers and loosen the dirt around the roots. Gently place the herbs into your jars, with the greenery sticking out.