Using left over cans or even ice cream containers is a great way to upcycle by planting seeds to grow your own herbs, flowers, or vegetables. It also looks very attractive and almost has a “vintage” feel to it.
What you will need:
- Left over cans
- Organic dirt
- Organic seeds or plants of your choosing
- Nail and hammer
- Rocks
Planting the seeds:
- Take the can(s) and using the nail and hammer make 3 holes in the bottom of each can; this lets the water drain.
- Put a few rocks inside the can (enough to cover the bottom).
- Add your dirt to the can(s) and fill it up almost to the top.
- Plant your seeds in each can and watch your seeds grow into a beautiful plant! (Don’t forget to water them!)
Hint: If you are using a plant instead of seeds follow the same steps for planting seeds. When you add the dirt, only fill the can(s) about half way full so you have room to plant, then add more dirt if needed.
Originally posted April 20, 2011
June 17, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Thanks! I was actually just wondering yesterday if it was ok to plant plants in cans– was afraid rust or whatever chemical in the can might leech out and kill the plant.
July 26, 2011 at 7:35 pm
i live in sunny, VERY hot, las vegas…won’t the cans get too hot for the plants??
November 19, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Great idea! I have just one other suggestion. I used yogurt containers to do this last year. Once your plants germinate, the baby plants need aLOT of light. A sunny windowsill is not enough. You can buy inexpensive fluorescent lights to accomplish this. Your project will leave you frustrated if you don’t provide enough light.
November 21, 2011 at 10:18 am
Very innovative and informative. Thanks for the information!
April 17, 2012 at 4:55 pm
I would never use cans to plant anything! Companies use a plastic coating on the inside of the can to prevent oxidation. That plastic coating contains BPA. http://www.livestrong.com/article/259503-the-disadvantages-of-aluminum-cans/
April 19, 2013 at 2:48 pm
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