Mason jars aren’t just for canning jams or sipping lemonade—they’re one of the most charming and practical ways to grow your own food at home. Whether you’re working with a windowsill, countertop, or tiny patio, growing in mason jars is an excellent solution for small-space gardeners, apartment dwellers, or anyone who wants to bring nature indoors.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you can grow in a mason jar, how to do it successfully, and why it’s one of the easiest ways to start your gardening journey.
🌱 Why Use Mason Jars for Gardening?
Mason jars are:
- Affordable and reusable
- Non-toxic and food-safe
- Compact, making them ideal for indoor spaces
- Clear, allowing you to monitor root growth and soil moisture
- Great for growing herbs, sprouts, greens, and more
They’re not just cute—they’re functional! And with the right setup, you can grow more than you think in these humble glass containers.
🏡 What You Can Grow in a Mason Jar
Here’s a breakdown of the best crops to grow in mason jars, plus instructions and links to trusted sources for deeper learning or supplies.
🌿 1. Herbs
Best herbs to grow:
How to grow herbs in a jar:
- Use a quart-size mason jar.
- Add 1–2 inches of gravel or small rocks at the bottom for drainage.
- Fill with organic potting mix.
- Plant seeds or starts.
- Place in a sunny window (6+ hours/day).
- Water carefully—no drainage holes means overwatering can be an issue.
👉 Learn more: How to grow herbs indoors via The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
🌱 2. Microgreens
These tiny powerhouses are ready in 7–10 days and packed with nutrients.
Good microgreens for jars:
- Sunflower
- Radish
- Broccoli
- Arugula
- Mustard
How to grow microgreens in a jar:
- Soak seeds overnight.
- Use a shallow layer of soil or a mason jar sprouting lid with mesh.
- Mist daily and keep the jar at an angle to allow airflow.
- Harvest when 1–3 inches tall.
👉 Start here: Microgreens 101 from MicroVeggy.
🌾 3. Sprouts
Sprouts are even easier than microgreens—no soil needed!
Top sprouts to grow:
- Alfalfa
- Mung beans
- Broccoli
- Lentils
- Clover
How to sprout in a mason jar:
- Soak seeds overnight in water.
- Drain, rinse, and cover with a sprouting lid or cheesecloth.
- Store upside down at an angle to drain water.
- Rinse 2–3 times a day.
- Harvest in 4–6 days.
👉 Full guide: How to Grow Sprouts in a Mason Jar via Urban Sproutz.
🌾 4. Green Onions (Scallions)
You can regrow green onions in water without any soil!
How to do it:
- Save the white ends with roots from store-bought green onions.
- Place in a mason jar with water, root side down.
- Set on a sunny windowsill.
- Change water every 2–3 days.
- Harvest green tops as needed.
👉 Tutorial: Regrow Green Onions via Better Homes & Gardens.
🍓 5. Strawberries (Dwarf Varieties)
Yes, you can grow dwarf strawberries in jars, especially alpine types!
How to grow strawberries in a jar:
- Choose a large, wide-mouth jar (at least 32 oz).
- Add gravel at the bottom.
- Use rich, well-draining soil.
- Plant a small or dwarf strawberry plant.
- Place in full sun and water regularly.
👉 Learn about varieties: Best Strawberries for Small Spaces via Gardening Know How.
🧄 6. Garlic Greens
Garlic greens are like chives—mild, oniony, and easy to grow from leftover cloves.
How to grow garlic greens in a jar:
- Use a small jar with water or soil.
- Place a few unpeeled garlic cloves pointy side up.
- Keep in sunlight.
- Snip the greens as they grow—ready in 7–10 days.
👉 More info: Grow Garlic Indoors via Rural Sprout.
🛠️ Tools & Supplies You Might Need
- Quart-size mason jars (regular or wide-mouth)
- Organic potting soil
- Pebbles or gravel for drainage
- Sprouting lids for microgreens or sprouts
- Plant labels or chalk paint
- Organic seeds (always non-GMO)
💡 Tips for Success
- Drainage is key – Mason jars don’t have holes, so adding a gravel layer and avoiding overwatering is crucial.
- Choose sunny spots – Most plants need 6–8 hours of light. Consider a grow light if you’re short on sun.
- Don’t overcrowd – Jars are small; stick to one plant per jar.
- Rotate plants – Turn jars regularly so plants grow upright toward the light.
- Harvest often – Especially with herbs and microgreens, frequent trimming promotes growth.
🚫 What Not to Grow in a Mason Jar
While you can grow quite a bit, mason jars aren’t ideal for:
- Root veggies like carrots or beets
- Tomatoes (too large and root-heavy)
- Large leafy greens like kale or romaine
- Anything that needs deep soil or constant airflow
Stick with small, shallow-rooted plants and fast harvest cycles.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Mason jar gardening is a beautiful, low-waste, beginner-friendly way to grow food anywhere—no backyard needed. Whether you’re harvesting fresh basil from your windowsill or enjoying crunchy sprouts in your sandwich, you’ll love the connection to your food and the daily joy of watching something grow.
Start with one jar, and before long, you might have a whole mini garden lining your kitchen shelf.
💚 Want to Make Your Own Mason Jar Garden Kit?
Include:
- Organic seeds (herbs, microgreens, or sprouts)
- A quart mason jar
- Gravel and soil
- Sprouting lid or cheesecloth
- Cute label or instructions
Perfect for gifts or farmer’s market bundles!