How to Turn Food Tins into Herb Planters

Food tins that would otherwise be sent for recycling can be given a practical new purpose in the kitchen. With a few precautions, they can become small planters for growing chives, parsley, basil and other herbs that thrive in pots. As well as making use of material that would have been thrown away, this approach keeps fresh seasonings close at hand while meals are being prepared.

Which tins can be turned into herb planters?

Metal food tins can be reused as containers for plants, provided they have been thoroughly cleaned and contain no traces of their original contents. Before using them, check that there are no rusty areas or sharp edges that could lead to accidents.

Their size also needs to be considered. Small herbs may grow successfully in more compact containers, whereas plants with more extensive root systems need additional room. Choosing the tin to suit the size of the plant helps prevent the container from restricting root growth.

Why is it important to make holes in the bottom of the tin?

Drainage is one of the key aspects of this conversion. Without a route for surplus water to escape, it can collect at the base of the container, leaving the growing medium waterlogged for extended periods.

Using a suitable tool, make small holes in the underside of the tin. This should be done before planting, taking care not to leave burrs or exposed metal edges that could cause cuts when the container is handled.

How should tins be prepared before planting?

Once the containers have been washed and dried, fill them with a growing medium suitable for plants in pots. The tin should be placed somewhere stable, particularly if it will sit on a worktop, shelf or windowsill.

Each container can also be marked with a small label showing the herb’s name. This makes the herb garden easier to organise and is especially useful while seedlings are still small, when the leaves of different species may look alike.

Which herbs can be grown in tins?

The choice will depend on the container’s size, the available light and the requirements of each species. Chives, parsley, coriander and basil are among the herbs that can be grown in containers, as long as they receive suitable conditions.

Most importantly, avoid treating every herb in the same way. Some require more light, while others can cope with different conditions. Before planting, check what the species needs and select a spot with compatible light levels.