2. Mason Jar Outdoor Herb Garden

The Vibe: Functional, fresh, beautiful, and the backyard project that gives back every time you cook.

A mason jar herb garden is one of the most rewarding backyard projects on this list because it delivers beauty and function simultaneously. A row of mason jars planted with fresh herbs — basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, chives, oregano — lined up on a fence rail, a wooden plank shelf, or a sunny windowsill creates a display that is genuinely gorgeous and provides fresh herbs for cooking all summer long.

What You Will Need:

  • Wide-mouth quart mason jars (one per herb plant)
  • Small rocks, pebbles, or gravel for drainage (since mason jars have no drainage holes)
  • Potting soil appropriate for herbs
  • Herb seedlings or seeds — basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, parsley, oregano, chives
  • Chalkboard paint and chalk paint markers for labels, or small chalkboard tags
  • Optional: a wooden plank, pallet section, or fence rail for mounting
  • Optional: hose clamps or pipe clamps for mounting jars to a fence or wall

How to Create It:

Begin by adding a one-inch layer of small rocks or gravel to the bottom of each mason jar — this creates a drainage reservoir that prevents the roots from sitting in standing water. Fill the jar to about two inches below the rim with potting soil. Plant one herb seedling per jar, pressing the soil gently around the roots. Water lightly. If labeling the jars, paint a small section of the outside of each jar with chalkboard paint and allow to dry fully, then write the herb name with a chalk marker. Arrange the jars in a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Pro Tips:

  • Mint must always be planted in its own container — it spreads aggressively and will overtake any herb planted alongside it in a shared space
  • Water mason jar herbs more frequently than herbs in larger containers because the smaller soil volume dries out faster — check the soil daily in hot summer weather
  • Choose herbs according to your cooking habits — if you cook Italian food frequently, prioritize basil, oregano, and rosemary; if you make cocktails, prioritize mint and citrus herbs
  • Group herbs with similar water needs together for easier maintenance — Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano prefer drier conditions than basil, parsley, and chives
  • Mount jars on a south-facing fence or wall for maximum sun exposure through the growing season

Materials Cost: Approximately $20–$35 for six herb jars including jars, soil, and seedlings.

Variations: Paint the jars in a coordinating color palette — all white, all terracotta-toned, or a gradient of greens — for a more designed, curated look. Use gallon jars for larger herbs like rosemary and basil that need more root space. Add a drip irrigation system for effortless watering.

Best Placement: Along a sunny fence rail, on a potting bench, on a kitchen garden wall near a back door, or on a tiered outdoor shelf in full sun.