April is the perfect time to start your spring garden. If you are like me, you may have a limited amount of space outside for a full garden. However, you can’t let it stop you from creating a simple garden to grow some yummy foods. Take some time out of your schedule with your young people to go outside for a little while and create a mason jar herb garden. The supplies are simple. You will need a mason jar, your choice of herb seeds, small rocks, and soil.
Here are the steps:- Find several mason jars around your house or purchase them from a craft store.
- Decorate each one with paint, stickers, ribbon, paper, and other craft supplies.
- Fill the bottom with small rocks (it helps with the water filtration) and top with soil.
- Plant herbs such as mint, thyme, and basil in the soil. Be sure to follow the seed instructions.
- Place the herb jars in your kitchen or outside on your porch, but make sure there is sunlight.
- Watch them grow.
The fun part about the herb garden is that you can cut some of them to cook with and more will continue to grow. This activity is a part of the 4-H Healthy Living Activity Guide which can be found on the National 4-H site at 4-h.org.
To learn more about 4-H in Union County, contact the local office at 704.283.3735 or 704.283.3740.
