How to Make a Hydroponic Garden in a Jar

This handy setup lets you grow herbs in a glass jar while providing plants with proper drainage and you with a low-maintenance watering routine.

We're sorry, there seems to be an issue playing this video. Please refresh the page or try again in a moment. If you continue to have issues, please contact us here.

DIY Self-Watering Planter
Loading Video...

Materials

  • (1) empty yogurt cup – 5.3 oz
  • (1) cotton strap or cotton rope
  • craft knife
  • (1) 8” clear cylinder vase
  • washi tape, various colors and widths
  • hydro rocks
  • (1) activated charcoal capsule
  • seed starting soil mix
  • (1) seed packet, we used basil

Step 1: Prep Yogurt Cup

Make two slits with craft knife in the bottom of clean yogurt cup.

Step 2: Cut Lunch Tote Strap

Cut at base of strap on each side. This will give you maximum length to work with.

Step 3: Thread Strap Through Cup

Thread strap up through slit in yogurt cup and then back down opposite slit. Leave a loop at the top. Don’t let the loop stick up higher than top of the cup. Straps will now be hanging out of the bottom of cup. This makes a wicking system where the strap soaked in water solution provides the soil with nutrients and moisture.

Step 4: Add Hydro Rocks

Fill cup halfway with rocks.

Step 5: Rinse

Pour water over the rocks in the cup to thoroughly rinse.

Step 6: Washi Vase

Add washi tape to bottom of vase about ¾ of the way up. This keeps light out and helps to prevent mold from forming in vase.

Step 7: Add Water

Fill vase with water up to washi tape line.

Step 8: Add Cup to Vase

Place yogurt cup inside vase. The rim of the cup will prevent it from falling to the bottom. Will catch right at the top.

Step 9: Add Soil to Cup

Fill the rest of the cup up with seed starting soil.

Step 10: Add Charcoal

Break open a capsule and sprinkle charcoal on top of soil.

Step 11: Add Seeds

Sprinkle seeds on top of soil. Gently press with finger to bury them slightly.

Step 12: Add Soil

Cover with a thin layer of soil.

Step 13: Spritz With Water

Using a spray bottle on lightest setting, spritz the soil with water. Do this a few times a day until germination.

Step 14: Fill Vase With Water

Now that seeds have germinated, add liquid fertilizer before you pour over water to fill vase. This will allow straps to soak up nutrients and keep soil moist. Watch it flourish!

Next Up

This Tabletop Hydroponic Garden Is Totally Worth the Price

We tested this indoor herb garden at the office and now it’s our favorite coworker.

How to Grow Microgreens

Packed with nutrition, microgreens add robust vegetable or herb flavor to dishes, but they can be costly to buy at the grocery store. Luckily, they’re very easy to grow from seed at home and can be grown year-round indoors, regardless of climate.

How to Plant, Grow and Harvest Lemon Balm

Fragrant, fast-growing lemon balm can be a good addition to garden beds or containers. Learn how to grow this pollinator-friendly perennial.

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Dill

Dill is an easy-to-grow addition to an herb garden. Learn how to select, plant, grow, harvest and preserve this tasty herb.

How to Plant a Kitchen Herb Garden

Herbs are easy to grow, they don’t take up a lot of space and they are a healthy way to add more flavor to your cooking. Whether you’re a beginning gardener or looking to elevate your culinary skills, an herb garden is the way to go.

This Fool-Proof Hydroponic Garden Is the Easiest and Most Reliable Way to Grow Food at Home Year-Round

I ditched my outdoor garden for this easy-to-maintain indoor hydroponic garden to grow leafy greens and herbs and couldn't be happier about it.

The Best Veggies and Herbs to Grow Indoors

A robust vegetable garden can be grown indoors all year long. Find out what edibles thrive indoors and get tips on planting, as well as finding the right space and lighting.

Planting, Growing and Harvesting Basil

Learn how to grow and care for basil in your garden. Plus, get tips for harvesting, using and preserving fresh basil.

How to Care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig

Pruning, watering, repotting, oh my! Keep your finicky ficus alive and thriving with our 10 easy-to-follow tips.

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Chives

Learn how to plant, grow, harvest and use chives. This popular perennial herb is easy to grow and has many benefits in the kitchen as well as in the garden.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.