How to Keep Herbs Fresh in Water: A Guide to Kitchen Jar Gardens

If you enjoy cooking, fresh herbs in your kitchen are an absolute jem.

There is nothing quite like adding a handful of fresh herbs to a dish – it makes everything tastier. A few sprigs of basil can elevate a simple pasta, cilantro does wonders for an omelet, and a pinch of fresh dill can make a creamy dressing pop.

But let’s be honest—how many times have you bought a beautiful bunch of herbs, only to find them limp and lifeless in your fridge just a few days later?

Or maybe you’re growing an abundance of herbs outdoors but you don’t always have the time to go harvest them in time to prep your meal.

I’ve been there! Especially now, as a mom to a toddler, everything these days needs to be easily accessible because I’m usually in a rush to get things done.

Once I started keeping fresh herbs in mason jars on my kitchen counter, the meals I cooked improved and so did my appreciation for my outdoor herb garden.

I love this easy trick for keeping herbs fresher longer and making your kitchen feel like a cozy mini garden.

Why Keep Herbs Fresh in Water?

Keeping herbs in water isn’t just about extending their shelf life (although it helps!). It’s also about making them part of your kitchen’s rhythm and aesthetic. When you keep herbs in water, you:

• Get to enjoy fresh herbs for up to a week or more.
• Always have them within arm’s reach while cooking.
• Add a little greenery to your countertops—who doesn’t love a charming jar of herbs to brighten up the space?
• Save money by reducing waste and avoiding last-minute herb runs to the grocery store.
• If you grow herbs outdoors, you can harvest them once a week and bring them indoors to use every day

Compared to leaving herbs in a plastic bag or tucked away in a drawer, this method feels more intentional and joyful—and your herbs – and tastebuds – will thank you for it.

Best Herbs for Your Kitchen Jar Garden

Not all herbs love sitting in water, but many do! Here are some of the best ones to start with:

• Basil: A kitchen jar garden classic. Basil thrives in water, just keep it out of the fridge.
• Mint: Mint is super hardy and looks so pretty in a jar. Perfect for teas and cocktails.
• Cilantro: A bit delicate, but when harvested well (leave the leaves on the stem!), cilantro thrives in water.
• Parsley: Both curly and flat-leaf parsley do well
• Green Onions (Scallions): These can regrow roots and new shoots! So useful in the kitchen.
• Oregano: Woody but soft-stemmed varieties work well in water.
• Dill: Dill is a personal favorite of mine. Its feathery fronds look so elegant in a jar, adding a fresh, bright flavor to dressings, scrambled eggs, fish dishes, and even roasted veggies.
• Lavender: Yes, I even keep lavender in a water-filled jar on my kitchen counter! I use it to make a fresh batch of teas or syrups for our lattes. Look for this lovely plant the next time you’re at the farmers market—it’s so versatile and beautiful!

Some herbs like rosemary or thyme tend to last longer, wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge, but don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works for your home. Thyme would be difficult to grow in a jar since the stems are so thing and wringy.

How to Set Up Your Kitchen Jar Garden

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• A bunch of fresh herbs (store-bought or straight from the garden)
• Clean glass jars or mason jars (small pitchers work too!)
• Fresh, cool water
• Optional: cute labels, twine, or chalkboard tags for a rustic touch

Step 2: Prep Your Herbs

• Trim the stems at an angle (just like you would with flowers).
• Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline—this prevents rot and keeps the water fresher.

Step 3: Arrange Your Herbs

• Fill your jars about halfway with water and gently place your herbs inside.
• You can group herbs by type, or mix and match for a fuller, layered look—imagine basil and dill swaying together in a pretty jar by your window.
• Feel free to get creative! Use vintage jars, tall glass pitchers, or even old mugs.

Caring for Your Jar Garden (So It Lasts)

To keep your herbs fresh and happy:

• Change the water every day or two to keep it clear and free of bacteria.
• Keep your jars in a cool spot with indirect light—too much sun can wilt delicate herbs like dill and cilantro.
• Re-trim stems every few days to help them soak up water better.
• Remove any yellowing or soggy leaves right away.

Bonus Tip: Cilantro and dill love cooler temperatures, so if your kitchen gets warm, you can pop the jar in the fridge overnight and bring it back to the counter during the day.

Styling Your Jar Garden Like a Pro

Sure, a simple jar of herbs is pretty on its own—but why not turn it into a little focal point for your kitchen?

• Try grouping a few jars together on a wooden tray or cake stand.
• Pair your herbs with a cookbook stand, a candle, or a bowl of lemons for that rustic, cozy vibe.

Suddenly, your kitchen feels like a chef’s corner from a farmhouse magazine!

When It’s Time to Replant or Compost

Eventually, even the freshest herbs will start to fade. But before you toss them, check for roots—some herbs like basil, mint, and green onions will often sprout roots in water! If they do, you can pot them up and grow them indoors or out.

For herbs that don’t root, you can toss them into the compost bin or add them to a simmer pot to make your home smell heavenly one last time.

Make It Your Own

Starting a kitchen jar garden is one of those simple pleasures that makes a big difference in how your kitchen looks and feels. Plus, it’s so satisfying to snip a few sprigs of dill or basil straight from your countertop as you cook.

So next time you bring home fresh herbs, try giving them the VIP treatment with this method—you might just find yourself starting a little indoor garden habit.

If you try this, I’d love to hear about it! Share your kitchen jar garden photos or let me know your favorite herb to keep fresh.