Households are being urged to keep hold of their tin cans instead of throwing them away, as they can be used in the garden for a clever DIY project this spring
Zahna Eklund Senior Social News Reporter
15:56, 16 Mar 2026
Your tin can could have a clever second use in your garden (stock photo)(Image: Emilija Manevska via Getty Images)
The spring weather has finally arrived, so it’s the perfect time to venture out into the garden and rejuvenate our outdoor areas. Planting flowerpots with vibrant blossoms and ensuring our flowerbeds are immaculate is part of the spring refresh for many gardening enthusiasts. However, if you’re aiming for a stunning garden and are mindful about waste, there are some simple tricks you can employ to minimise waste and enhance your garden.
One such trick involves tin cans, which millions of us utilise daily for items like baked beans, chopped or plum tomatoes, soup, and a variety of other foods. Typically, we’d rinse out the empty cans and toss them into the recycling bin, but it appears they could have a smart use in our gardens. According to Clare Hoops, who frequently shares upcycling and DIY content on her TikTok account, you can repurpose your empty cans into petite flowerpots for your garden using just a few materials.
In a video, Clare started by taking a screwdriver and a hammer and punching a hole in the side of her tin can towards the top, and several others at the bottom to serve as drainage holes.
Next, she grabbed a can of garden paint and used it to spray her tins a lovely shade of light green. This not only makes the cans look more attractive, but also prevents the reflection from the shiny metal from blinding you when the sun shines on it.
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Once the can was painted and dried, Claire proceeded to thread a cork onto some wire, passing it through the holes she’d made on each side of the tin. This created a charming handle for lifting the pot. If you don’t intend to hang your tin pots, this step can be omitted.
The final steps involved filling the tins with soil and planting!
Claire’s video received positive feedback from viewers who were impressed by the simplicity of creating the planters. Many expressed their intention to try out the hack themselves, whilst others simply admired the concept.
One viewer commented: “So adorable!” Another added: “Thanks for this idea! I can get tons of these cans for free at work.” A third shared: “So cute! I always save cans and have some to get started with this project. Thanks for sharing.”
How to make a tin can planter
1. Clean the can
Wash the tin can thoroughly and remove any labels. Dry completely.
2. Add drainage holes:
Turn the can upside down.Using a hammer and nail (or a drill), carefully punch three to five small holes in the bottom for drainage.
3. Decorate (optional):
Paint the outside of the can, wrap it in twine, or decorate as you like.Let any paint dry completely before proceeding.
4. Add drainage layer (optional):
Place a thin layer of small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the can to help with drainage.
5. Fill with soil:
Add potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
6. Plant:
Plant your chosen seeds or seedlings.Gently pat down the soil around the plant.
7. Water:
Water lightly, allowing excess water to drain out the bottom.
Herbs, succulents, and small flowers are ideal for tin can planters. If you’re planning to place your cans outdoors, consider using rust-resistant cans or applying a protective spray coating to prolong their lifespan.
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