Grow in a Diy Hydroponic Herb Garden Mason Jar Set Up

Whether you’re just considering growing something or looking for a fun summer project with the kids, this easy DIY Hydroponic herb garden mason jar project is fun for everyone.

Why Choose to Make a Diy Hydroponic Herb Garden Mason Jar

We frequently hear from those of you who are striving to get out of the cities and onto some land. The desire to grow something fresh of your own strengthens with every grocery bill paid or every news article read.

Our response is usually, “just do something.” Cultivate a skill, grow something from seed, and start in the kitchen because anyone can begin here. Herbs are a great place to start because the cost savings of growing your own (by percentages) is extremely high.

This DIY hydroponic herb garden mason jar can be grown on window sills or right in your kitchen. Even apartment-dwellers in a small space can grow fresh herbs, and this project is so obviously easy that even your children can handle it.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a fluid solvent. Plants are grown with their roots exposed to the nutrient-rich water, which can be delivered to the plants through various techniques such as the deep water method that we’ll explain here.

Plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich water solution, with their roots submerged in the water. This is the “Kratky method,” named after Bernard Kratky, a researcher of The University of Hawaii who proposed this idea of growing.

Kratky theorized that growing plants in water could be done efficiently if all of the nutrients were added to the water in the beginning rather than constantly feeding soil. Fast growing plants, such as herbs and lettuces, work really well for this method because they can be harvested before the nutrients are used up.

The hydroponic system allows for precise control over the nutrients that plants receive, leading to faster growth and higher yields. Although it can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, including some vegetables and flowers, herbs and lettuces work best in this soil-less system.

Green plastic seeding pot on white background.

How to Build Kratky Mason Jars

To build your DIY hydroponic herb garden mason jar set up, you’ll need to have the proper materials, and a well-lit place to grow in.

Kratky System Materials Needed

Mason Jar:
Clear mason jars work, but using opaque or painted jars can help prevent algae growth. You could make some pretty fabric sleeves to block light, but paint is cheap and easy to obtain. You could also opt for something other than a glass jar, but what homesteader doesn’t love mason jars? The smallest size I’d use are quart jars.
Net Cup or Mesh Pot:
- These will hold the plants and allow the roots to dangle into the nutrient solution.
Hydroponic Growing Medium:
- Popular choices include clay pebbles, perlite, rockwool, or coconut coir.
Hydroponic Nutrients Solution:
- You can buy pre-mixed solutions or make your own with the necessary nutrients. If you make your own, you’ll need a pH test kit to be sure you’re in the right range for growing. This Foxfarm solution has everything you need, but may be hard to find in your typical local hardware store.
Herb Seeds:
- Choose seed packets that are suitable for hydroponic growth, such as basil, mint, cilantro. Certainly grow what your family enjoys.
Water:
- Preferably distilled or filtered to avoid impurities that can affect plant growth; however, tap water should suit your growing. If you’re using tap water on a municipal system, let it sit out for 12 hours to allow any chlorine to evaporate.
Lid or Collar for the Jar:
- To support the net pot and prevent light from entering the jar.
OPTIONAL Grow Light:
- Finally, your plants will grow better and faster if they have a sufficient light source. A window sill will probably work, but grow lights will make them happier. Consider adding a timer on your light system too.

Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to create a DIY hydroponic herb garden mason jar system to grow in at home.

Prepare the Jars:
- First, clean the mason jars thoroughly. If using clear jars, consider painting them or covering them with duct tape to block light.
Assemble the Net Pots:
- Next, fill the net pots with the hydroponic growing medium and place your seeds or seedlings in them.
Mix the Nutrient Solution:
- Follow the instructions on the nutrient solution packaging to prepare it.
Fill the Jars:
- Pour the nutrient solution into the mason jars, ensuring the solution reaches the bottom of the net pot so the roots can access it.
Insert the Net Pots:
- Last, place the net pots with the plants into the jars, making sure they fit securely.
Position Your Jars:
- Place the jars in a location with adequate light. If using grow lights, set them up above the jars and set a timer for 12-16 hours of light per day.
Monitor and Maintain:
- After setting up your system, regularly check the water level and pH of the nutrient solution. Refill or replace the solution as needed to keep your plants healthy.

Tips for Success

Most importantly, maintain a stable environment with a temperature around 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing jars in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Keep humidity levels moderate, around 50-70%. Too much humidity, a common problem, can lead to mold and mildew, while too little can dry out plants.

Inspect plants in your indoor herb garden daily for signs of pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Address issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.

Also, check your plant roots periodically. Healthy roots should be white or light tan. Brown or slimy roots may indicate problems like root rot.

Another key to success is to keep the system clean to prevent algae growth and disease. Clean jars and net pots thoroughly between plantings.

A pH meter is an excellent way to make sure that your mason jar herb garden stays in good health.

Conclusion of DIY Hydroponic Herb Garden Mason Jar Set Up

In conclusion, growing your favorite herbs in your DIY hydroponic herb garden mason jar set up is an easy way to start your homestead journey. It will give you a sense of accomplishment, but you should be fully prepared to grow more of your own food once you’ve grown hydroponic herbs at home. I hope you’re encouraged to just start where you are with what you’ve got until you’re able to begin traditional gardening.

You may also enjoy reading 28 Herbs to Plant in Fall: Now is the Perfect Time to Plan

Happy Growing!

Donna Larson homesteading, holds head of cabbage — Donna @ Hazel Belle Farm

Donna and her family have been homesteading for most of their 20+ years together in some shape or fashion. She currently lives on their 20 acre farm where they grow as much food as possible. What started as a just a few laying hens, has grown into large gardens, pastured poultry, pork, and lamb. They are continuously evolving their small farm to not suit their family’s needs, but also providing to their local community. Donna’s favorite part of the family farm is her self-built micro-dairy, where she gets to love on dairy cows while serving her local community. Milking, cheesemaking, and processing dairy have become the soul of their homestead and the center of their farm.

Sources:

(No date) Three non-circulating hydroponic methods for growing lettuce. Available at: https://www.actahort.org/books/843/843_6.htm (Accessed: 05 July 2024).

Gardening Homesteading