new plants – temporary recycled planter
I purchased a couple of new plants for spring. I figured that they could live in their plastic planters for another month or so before I transfer them to new pots… but those ugly green plastic things didn’t sit so pretty on my windowsill. So, for the next few weeks the plastic planters will sit nestled inside of empty tomato cans. Wallah, beautiful!!
tomato can herb garden
Empty tomato cans make the perfect pot for a seasonal Italian herb garden. See my old post for easy instructions on growing green at home. Bon Appetit!
grow green
(click on an image to enlarge)
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- Gather Supplies: charcoal/stones, potting soil, seeds, hammer, nail, empty can
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- Use hammer and nail to add drain holes.
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- Tap 5 or 6 tiny holes into the bottom of the can.
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- Add a half-inch layer of stone or charcoal to the bottom of can to aid in drainage.
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- Fill can with soil, leaving about an inch of space at top. Add seeds & water generously.
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- Cover with plastic wrap, secure with rubber band. Place in direct sunlight atop plastic lid.
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- When the seeds begin to sprout, uncover, or they will begin to mold & rot.
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- Water, sun & watch green grow!!
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- … a few weeks later
markers in a can
Sometimes a picture says it all…
Sure, there are countless ways to adorn these, but the bare can is both simple and beautiful. Useful too.
flower cans
This one’s plain, simple, and best when duplicated.
Empty metal cans are an eco-stylish decorating advantage. These cheap and useful vases are a great way to disperse flowers throughout your home and yard while entertaining this summer season.
Simply collect and clean out your empty food cans. Tomato cans work well, because the inside of the can is coated with a special enamel finish, but any empty can will do.
If working with children, please make sure there are no sharp edges where the lid came off. If so, going over the area with a can opener one more time will usually do the trick.
To prevent rust rings on your furniture or ledges, coat the bottom of each can with clear nail polish, and allow to dry completely.
Fill the cans halfway with water. Add a few small stones to the bottom of each can to weigh them down, and then add the flowers. Tiny hands will find it fun and easy arranging flowers in these mini-marvels.
