The Best Mason Jar Herb Garden Kit for Beginners in 2024
By Lena Moss – Plant-lover and advocate for low-maintenance indoor gardening
There’s something downright magical about plucking your own homegrown herbs and adding them to a pot of soup or a sizzling skillet. But if you’re anything like me—balancing work, family, and an obsession with plants—you probably want your herb garden to be both beautiful and low-maintenance.
So today, let’s cut through the clutter and answer the big question:
What is the best mason jar herb garden kit for beginners who want a stylish, low-maintenance indoor growing solution?
After years of windowsill experiments, messes with potting soil on my kitchen counter, and trying more kits than I care to admit, I’ve found a clear winner for 2024.
It’s the Modern Sprout Mason Jar Hydroponic Herb Kit—and let me tell you why this charming jar is everything a beginner gardener could want.
Why Start with a Mason Jar Herb Kit?
If you don’t have a yard (Hi fellow apartment dwellers 👋), or you just want a clean, mess-free way to grow herbs inside, a mason jar kit checks every box:
- Compact: Fits on a sunny windowsill or counter.
- Soil-free: No dealing with bugs or spills.
- Stylish: It’s both functional and decorative.
- Beginner-friendly: No green thumb needed.
These are often the most popular gifts around Mother’s Day, housewarmings, or “treat yourself” moments—and for good reason. They’re simple, fun, and beautifully integrated into your home.
But not all mason jar herb kits are the same.
That’s where Modern Sprout comes in.
Meet the Modern Sprout Mason Jar Herb Kit
Modern Sprout’s New & Improved Hydroponic Cilantro Mason Jar Kit is more than just a pretty face. This kit combines clean design with hydroponic tech to make indoor gardening ridiculously easy.
🧬 What’s Included:
- 1 vintage-style Mason Jar with water reservoir
- Organic non-GMO cilantro seeds (other herb variations sold separately)
- Growing medium (no soil!)
- Self-watering net pot and wick system
- Natural plant food/fertilizer
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Basically, everything you need to grow a lush little herb plant—no gardening background required.
The Self-Watering Advantage: A Game-Changer for Beginners
You know what kills most beginner herb gardens? Forgetting to water—or watering way too much. I’ve done both, especially when I first started out.
Modern Sprout’s kit uses a passive hydroponic system. The wick draws up just the right amount of water and nutrients, so your plant gets exactly what it needs—no more, no less.
That means:
- You only refill the reservoir every 1–2 weeks
- No waterlogged roots
- No dry, crispy herbs
It’s basically gardening on autopilot. You get to enjoy growing without the guesswork. As a busy mom and plant lover, that’s a huge win in my book.
Herb Variety: Why Cilantro is a Great First Choice 🌿
Cilantro can be a finicky herb to grow in soil—but in a hydroponic mason jar? It thrives.
Whether you’re whipping up guacamole, curry, or tacos, fresh cilantro adds vibrant flavor. Plus, Modern Sprout also sells versions of this kit with basil, mint, parsley, and rosemary, so you can customize your personal plant family once you fall in love with the first jar (and trust me—you will).
Style Meets Function
Let’s be honest—we want our indoor gardens to look as good as they grow.
This mason jar kit pulls double duty as a decor piece. The tinted glass jars (available in various soft hues) blend beautifully into farmhouse kitchens, modern lofts, or cozy college dorms. No ugly plastic planters here.
One of my readers, Kelly from Chicago, sent me a photo of hers perched perfectly on her kitchen window ledge—it looked like it belonged in a design magazine and it smelled of fresh herbs. That’s a win, friend.
Easy Setup in Under 5 Minutes
Don’t let talk of hydroponics scare you off. This setup is simpler than IKEA instructions. You literally:
- Add water
- Drop in the wick + net pot
- Plant the seeds in the growing medium
- Feed the plant with included nutrients
- Place it in a sunny window
Boom. Done. You’ve just become an indoor gardener.
Who This Kit Is Perfect For
I always say the best things in gardening are the ones that fit your actual life. This kit is ideal for:
- 🏢 City dwellers with no outdoor space
- 🧑🍳 Cooks who want fresh herbs at their fingertips
- 🎁 Gift-givers wanting something useful and unique
- 👩🎓 College students who need greenery without responsibility
- 🌱 Beginners who have always wanted to grow something edible
This kit doesn’t ask much from you, but it gives so much back—flavor, beauty, and that amazing feeling of “I grew this!”
Pros and Cons (Honest Review)
✅ Pros:
- Self-watering design means minimal maintenance
- Everything you need included—no guesswork
- Stylish mason jar fits in any decor
- Great herb varieties, including organic cilantro
- Easy and fun to set up
❌ Cons:
- Needs a sunny spot or grow light to thrive
- Slightly more expensive than dirt-in-a-pot kits (but worth it!)
- Limited to one herb per jar (but that’s also part of the charm)
Why I Recommend This Over Other Kits
I’ve tested several herb kits over the years. Some were over-complicated. Some looked tacky. Some had such poor instructions I felt like I was prepping for a science fair.
Here’s why the Modern Sprout stands out:
- It doesn’t use electricity or soil—keeping it clean/simple
- No previous gardening skills required
- It makes growing herbs feel easy, not intimidating
- It genuinely looks good on your counter or shelf
Modern Sprout Mason Jar Kit is just easier, prettier, and more beginner-friendly.
If you want to see a good side-by-side comparison, check out this helpful indoor gardening guide from Urban Cultivator’s blog, which highlights how hydroponic systems like Modern Sprout are best for small spaces and low maintenance needs.
What Other Gardeners Are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Bought this as a gift for my sister and ended up getting one myself. The cilantro sprouted quickly and looks great in my kitchen. I barely have to do anything!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Very convenient. Perfect for people with no gardening experience. Just be sure you’ve got a sunny window.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Stylish enough to keep on my windowsill year-round. And the herbs taste so much better than store-bought!”
Quick Tips for Herb Success with Mason Jar Kits
- 🌞 Make sure your jar gets at least 6 hours of sunlight. If not, consider a small clip-on grow light (they’re budget-friendly and widely available online).
- 💧 Check the water level weekly during warmer months—it may need quicker refills.
- ✨ Clean the jar and wick between growing cycles to prevent algae or mold.
- 🍽 Harvest herbs often. It encourages growth and gives you delicious garnishes.
Final Word: Should You Buy This Kit?
If you’re ready to dip your toe into indoor gardening—with zero mess and maximum style—the Modern Sprout Mason Jar Grow Kit is hands-down the best mason jar herb kit for beginners.
It’s easy.
It’s beautiful.
It works.
And perhaps most importantly—it makes growing something edible feel possible, even in a small apartment with zero gardening experience.
Seriously, don’t just take my word for it. Hundreds of other happy herb-growers (and their kitchens!) are enjoying the perks.
Thanks for stopping by my soil-free corner of the internet! 🌿 Whether you’re gifting it, growing with your kiddos, or treating yourself to fresh herbs, I hope this kit becomes your first green step into indoor gardening.
Until next time, happy planting!
🪴 Lena Moss
Grow low. Grow slow. Grow happy.