It’s time to get your gardens ready for spring flowers, and one crafty woman has shared a hack that brightens your outdoor space using old tin cans
Your old tin cans can be used in your garden this spring (stock photo)(Image: Pablo Jeffs Munizaga – Fototrekking via Getty Images)
Spring weather has finally arrived, making it the perfect moment to venture into the garden and breathe fresh life into our outdoor areas. For many gardeners, filling containers with vibrant flowers and ensuring borders look immaculate forms an essential part of the seasonal refresh. However, if you’re after a stunning garden whilst being mindful of what gets discarded, there are some straightforward tricks to cut down on waste and enhance your plot.
One such trick involves tin cans, which countless households use daily for items like baked beans, chopped or plum tomatoes, soup, and numerous other groceries. Typically, we’d wash out the empty tins and toss them in the recycling, but they could actually serve a brilliant purpose in our gardens.
According to Clare Hoops, who frequently shares upcycling and DIY tutorials on her TikTok page, you can turn your empty cans into miniature planters for your garden using just a handful of materials. In a clip, Clare started by taking a screwdriver and hammer to create a hole near the top of her tin can, along with several more in the bottom to provide drainage.
She then grabbed a tin of garden paint and sprayed her cans a lovely pale green shade. This doesn’t just make the tins more attractive, but also stops the glare from the shiny metal surface when sunlight catches it.
Once the tin was painted and completely dry, Claire proceeded to thread a cork onto some wire, feeding it through the holes she’d drilled on either side of the can, creating a charming handle for lifting the pot. Those not intending to suspend their tin planters can give this stage a miss.
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The final touches simply involved filling the tins with compost and placing the plants inside.
People responding to Clare’s video expressed amazement at just how straightforward the planters were to create. Numerous viewers pledged to give the technique a go themselves, whilst others raved about the concept.
One viewer commented: “So adorable!” Another remarked: “Thanks for this idea! I can get tons of these cans for free at work.”
A third posted: “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 compact flowers perform brilliantly in tin can planters. Should you be positioning your cans outdoors, think about using rust-proof tins or applying a protective spray finish to extend their lifespan.
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