How Do You Make a Hanging Mason Jar Herb Garden for Under $10?

Quick Answer: You can create a beautiful hanging mason jar herb garden in about 30 minutes using mason jars, small rocks for drainage, potting soil, twine, and herb seedlings. The total cost comes in well under $10, and the result is a functional, space-saving garden that brings fresh herbs right into your kitchen. This project works great for small spaces like apartments, and it's simple enough for kids to help with every step.

Fresh herbs make everything taste better, and there's something incredibly satisfying about snipping basil or mint right from your own little garden while you're cooking dinner. But not everyone has a backyard or even a sunny windowsill with counter space to spare. That's where a hanging mason jar herb garden comes in handy.

This project uses vertical space (think: a sunny wall or near a window), keeps herbs at eye level for easy harvesting, and looks charming in any kitchen. Plus, mason jars are affordable, often free if you've been collecting them, and the whole setup costs less than a single potted herb from the grocery store.

Let's walk through exactly how to build yours.

Why a Hanging Herb Garden Works So Well

Hanging your herbs solves a few common problems at once:

• Saves counter and windowsill space , Perfect for small kitchens or apartments
• Keeps herbs at harvesting height , No bending down or forgetting about plants tucked in a corner
• Improves air circulation , Helps prevent mold and mildew on soil
• Kid-friendly visibility , Little ones can watch their herbs grow and participate in watering

Basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, and chives all do particularly well in this setup. Just keep in mind that mason jars don't have drainage holes, so you'll need to create a drainage layer (more on that below).

Budget Breakdown: Under $10

Here's what you'll need and approximately what it costs. You may already have some of these supplies at home:

If you're starting herbs from seed instead of buying seedlings, you can bring the cost down even further. Many dollar stores carry both twine and small bags of potting soil.

Materials You'll Need

Gather these supplies before you start:

• 3 pint-sized mason jars (or quart-sized for larger herbs)
• Small rocks or pebbles (about 1 cup per jar)
• Potting soil (enough for 1–2 inches per jar, plus root ball space)
• Activated charcoal (optional but helpful)
• Natural twine or jute rope (about 8–12 feet total)
• 3 small wall hooks or cup hooks
• Scissors
• 3 small herb plants (basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, or chives work great)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create Your Drainage Layer

Mason jars look beautiful, but they don't have drainage holes, and that's a problem for plant roots that don't like sitting in water. The solution is simple: create a drainage layer at the bottom.

Add about 1 inch of small rocks or pebbles to the bottom of each jar. These give excess water somewhere to go so your herb roots don't get waterlogged and rot.

Pro tip: If you want extra protection against bacteria and odor, add a thin layer (about ½ inch) of activated charcoal on top of the rocks. Activated charcoal helps balance soil pH, improves drainage, and keeps things fresh. You can find it at pet stores (it's sold for aquarium filters) or garden centers.

Step 2: Add Potting Soil

Spoon 1–2 inches of potting soil on top of your drainage layer. The exact amount depends on how big your herb's root ball is, you want enough soil that the plant sits at a good height in the jar without being crammed in.

Use a quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Potting mix is lighter and drains better, which matters a lot in a container without drainage holes.

Step 3: Plant Your Herbs

Gently remove each herb from its nursery pot. If the roots are tightly wound, loosen them a bit with your fingers, this helps them spread out and establish in their new home.

Place each herb in a jar and add more potting soil around the sides, pressing gently to secure the plant. Leave about ¾ inch of space between the top of the soil and the rim of the jar. This gives you room for watering without overflow.

Step 4: Create the Twine Hanger

This is the fun part, and a great step for kids to help with.

For each jar:

1. Cut two pieces of twine, each about 3–4 feet long
2. Wrap one piece of twine around the jar just below the threaded lip
3. Tie a double knot to secure it
4. Repeat with the second piece of twine on the opposite side of the jar
5. Gather all four loose ends together above the jar
6. Tie them in a double knot about 6–8 inches above the jar to create a loop for hanging

You should now have a simple macramé-style hanger that cradles the jar securely.

Step 5: Install Your Hooks and Hang

Choose a spot near a window that gets good sunlight, ideally 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. South-facing or west-facing windows typically work best for herbs.

Install your small hooks into the wall (make sure they're secured into a stud or use appropriate wall anchors for the weight). Space them about 8–10 inches apart so your jars have room and air can circulate between them.

Hang your finished mason jar herb gardens and step back to admire your work!

Caring for Your Hanging Herb Garden

Your herbs are planted and hanging, now here's how to keep them thriving:

Light: Most culinary herbs need 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your kitchen doesn't get enough natural light, consider a small grow light nearby.

Water: Because mason jars lack drainage holes, you'll need to water carefully. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, then add just enough water to moisten the soil, not soak it. Overwatering is the most common mistake with this setup.

Harvesting: Regular harvesting actually helps your herbs grow bushier and healthier. Pinch or snip leaves from the top of the plant to encourage branching. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once.

Rotation: If your herbs start leaning toward the light, rotate the jars every few days to encourage even growth.

Best Herbs for Mason Jar Gardens

Not all herbs love container life equally. These varieties do particularly well in mason jars:

• Basil , Loves warmth and sun
• Mint , Almost impossible to kill (and great contained so it doesn't take over)
• Parsley , Tolerates slightly lower light
• Chives , Compact and hardy
• Cilantro , Prefers cooler temps, so keep it away from hot windows

Avoid herbs that develop large root systems (like rosemary or sage) unless you're using quart-sized jars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any size mason jar?
Pint-sized jars work well for most small herbs. Quart-sized jars give more root space for larger plants or herbs you want to grow bigger.

Do I need to drill drainage holes in the jars?
No, the rock layer at the bottom provides drainage. Just be careful not to overwater.

How often should I water my hanging herbs?
Check the soil every few days. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. In most homes, this means watering once or twice a week.

Can I grow herbs from seeds in mason jars?
Absolutely! Start seeds in the jars following the same setup, just skip adding a transplant. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate.

What if my herbs get leggy?
Leggy growth usually means not enough light. Move your jars to a sunnier spot or add a grow light.

Is this project safe for kids to help with?
Yes! Kids can help with every step, adding rocks, spooning soil, and especially tying the twine hangers.

How long will herbs live in mason jars?
With proper care, most herbs will thrive for several months. Annual herbs like basil will eventually flower and decline, but perennials like mint and chives can last much longer.

Can I hang these outdoors?
Yes, as long as they're protected from heavy rain (which can waterlog the jars) and extreme temperatures.

References

1. The Inspiration Board. "DIY Hanging Mason Jar Herb Garden." Retrieved January 2026.
2. Epic Gardening. "Mason Jar Herb Garden Care Guide." Retrieved January 2026.
3. Gardening Know How. "Using Activated Charcoal in Container Gardens." Retrieved January 2026.
4. Better Homes & Gardens. "Growing Herbs in Containers Without Drainage." Retrieved January 2026.

Looking for more budget-friendly garden projects the whole family can enjoy? Check out our guide on how to make a DIY kitchen scrap regrow garden for under $10 with your kids or explore more ideas in our kids crafts category.