MASON JAR KITCHEN HERB GARDEN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Setup Questions
Product Components
Planting + Germination
Sunlight + Planter Placement
Growth and Care Questions
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Setup Questions
Product Components
Can my herbs really grow in such small containers?
Yes they can! We created this herb garden with the proper seeds and soil blend to grow in this environment. Make sure to put your planter in a space with ample sunlight – one of the most important aspects of getting your plant to thrive!
What is your soil made of?
Our soil is a custom formulated blend of nutrient-rich ingredients such as up-cycled agricultural byproducts like coconut coir. It has enough organic matter and fertilizer to keep your herbs fed from germination to harvest!
Is your soil organic?
Yes! Our soil blend is made of 100% organic materials certified for use in organic gardening by OMRI and blended in the United States.
Are these seeds organic?
Yes! 100% organic and non-GMO, certified by EcoCert ICO
What specific varieties are included?
Organic Sweet Italian Large Leaf Basil
Lemon Balm Mint
Planting + Germination
Why push the seeds 1⁄4" into the soil?
Your seeds need a warm, moist environment to germinate, and the light 1⁄4" blanket of soil is perfect for that. If left uncovered, the seeds may not be moist enough to sprout, but push them too far into the soil and they may never have the chance to peek their heads up. We’ve found that 1⁄4" is the goldilocks of depths – not too shallow, not too deep, but just right!
How do I make sure my seeds germinate?
Temperature & moisture are important factors for successful germination:
1. These herb seeds germinate best in warm soil. Keep your planter in a warm spot like a sunny window or near a heating vent.
2. Keep the top 2” of soil consistently moist throughout germination. Carefully add water as needed.
Sunlight + Planter Placement
How much light do I need to give my herb garden?
Your herbs will thrive in a spot in your home that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Most of the time, this will be in a south-facing window - but why is that the case? What's the next best option if that isn't available? How can I tell if my sunlight is direct? All very valid questions - read about finding optimal light for your planter here!
What's the best temperature for my herbs to grow in?
Once your herbs have germinated, they will grow well in normal room temperature (70-75°F). Ideal conditions for germination are at a slightly higher temperature (80°F).
Growth and Care Questions
Watering
How much water do my herbs need?
The amount of water that your herbs need will vary based on the temperature and amount of sunlight they are given. In a hotter than average environment with ample sun, plants will need more water, while in a slightly colder or less sunny environment plants will need a bit less.
The best way to tell if your plants need water is to observe the soil color in each jar. As the top 0.5” of soil dries out and turns from dark brown to a lighter shade, that is the indication your plants need water.
Your plants will also need more water as they continue to grow larger, so check your plants regularly to see if they need to be watered.
As a general guideline, we provide the following water measurements for our Kitchen Herb Garden:
- From planting to germination: 2 teaspoons of water to each jar every other day
- After germination, gradually increase to 2 Tablespoons every other day by week 5.
- More water will be needed as plants mature, or if conditions vary from average.
How can I tell if I overwatered?
The best visual indicator of overwatering is when you can tilt the jar to its side and see lots of water sloshing around. You can carefully invert the jar to help drain the water from the soil, and wait until the soil appears to be dry, a few days, before watering it again.
Plant Growth
When do I thin my herbs?
About two weeks after planting, your basil and mint plants should be thinned to 3 stems per can.
How can I tell when to start harvesting my herbs?
You can begin to harvest your basil and mint after they are showing multiple sets of leaves. This usually occurs in about 6 weeks, but can take longer depending on growth conditions. Harvest leaves by pinching plant stems, starting from the very top of the plant. Remember - always leave several sets of leaves on your plant in order to encourage new growth!
Do I need to add fertilizer?
Your herbs will not need any fertilizer in order to grow to maturity - our soil is packed with plenty of nutrients! If you are looking for an extra boost in growth, feel free to add a small amount of a balanced fertilizer meant for herbs.
The leaves on my plant are yellowing...
Leaves can yellow for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is the amount of water the plant is getting. It seems confusing, but yellowing can be a result of too much OR too little water. Check how damp your soil is and adjust your watering so the soil remains dark but does not become waterlogged. If soil is a very light brown color and the leaves of your plant are droopy, it’s probably too dry. If your soil is very dark and wet looking, it’s probably too wet. Feel free to send us a picture and we can help you diagnose it if you still have questions!
Have a question that’s not answered here? Reach out to our knowledgeable customer service team and they’ll be happy to help you out!
