Upcycle Tin Cans into Herb Pots for a Balcony Garden

In spring, plenty of people tidy the kitchen and the balcony without a second thought. In the process, one everyday item almost always ends up in the bin or straight into the recycling bag - and it really shouldn’t. Gardeners now swear by it, turning it into practical and surprisingly attractive planters for herbs.

Why empty tin cans are suddenly in demand

To most people, empty tin cans are nothing more than packaging waste. Open the tin, tip out the contents, throw the can away - that’s the usual routine. But gardeners have started to see something else: sturdy, free plant pots that can work wonders, especially on small balconies and terraces.

"With a few simple steps, kitchen waste becomes a decorative herb pot - without buying new pots."

The appeal is obvious. Tin cans are tough, easy to stack, and can be lined up closely together. On a balcony railing, on steps, along an old fence, or directly on an outside wall: wherever there isn’t room for large planters, these slim metal containers can slip neatly into the gaps.

Many hobby gardeners use this upcycling idea to save money and cut down on plastic. If you’re already feeling the pinch from rising living costs, every set of plant pots you don’t have to buy from the garden centre helps. At the same time, reusing tins reduces the amount of waste - a bonus for anyone trying to live more sustainably.

This trick is particularly handy for renters with a tiny balcony or a narrow window ledge. When there’s no space for a raised bed, ten or twelve tins fixed to a wooden batten can quickly become a vertical herb garden.

How to turn tin cans into attractive herb containers

The leap from an empty tin to a “rustic herb pot” is surprisingly small. You don’t need specialist tools or expert knowledge. The basic method stays the same and can be adapted to suit your taste.

Step 1: Clean and prep the tin

• Rinse out any remaining beans, sweetcorn, or tomatoes thoroughly
• Peel off the label and remove any adhesive under warm water
• If needed, smooth sharp edges around the rim with a little sandpaper

Cleaning isn’t just about appearance. Food residue can encourage mould and attract insects. Fully cleaning the inside gives young plants a better start.

Step 2: Make drainage holes for excess water

This part is crucial: plants must not sit in water. Each tin needs small holes in the base so excess water can drain away.

• Use a nail and hammer or a small drill to make several holes in the bottom
• Place the tin on a wooden board while you work to protect the table
• Wear protective gloves in case the metal edges bend slightly

If you want to hang the tins later, drill an additional small hole in the back, just below the rim. That’s where you can thread wire or string.

Step 3: Create a hanger - wire loops instead of pricey brackets

For a hanging effect, an old wire coat hanger or a length of sturdy cord is often enough.

• Use pliers to straighten and reshape the coat hanger
• Form two hooks that fit through the side hole in the tin
• Hang the loop from a nail, hook, or trellis above

If you’d rather avoid metal hangers, you can wrap the tins in jute twine and tie knots for hanging. This gives more of a country-house look and also covers the bare metal.

Herbs that do especially well in tins

Not every plant enjoys tight containers, but many kitchen favourites cope well with limited space. These varieties are particularly reliable:

Herb	Best for	Notes
Parsley	Soups, stews, potatoes	Likes even moisture; avoid harsh midday sun
Chives	Salads, scrambled eggs, soft cheese	Hardy; grows back quickly after each cut
Thyme	Roast vegetables, meat, Mediterranean dishes	Handles little water well; loves sun
Mint	Tea, lemonade, desserts	Spreads vigorously - a tin keeps it in check
Basil	Pasta, pizza, pesto	Needs lots of light and regular watering

A high-quality, peat-free compost is ideal. Peat-free compost protects peatlands while still providing good nutrient levels for container plants. One extra tip: adding a thin layer of expanded clay pellets or gravel to the bottom of the tin further improves drainage.

"If you plant a dozen tins side by side, you get a small, fragrant ‘herb wall’ - perfect for a balcony, fence, or windowsill."

Design ideas: from industrial to bright and bold

At first, empty tins can look rather plain. That’s exactly what makes them so adaptable. With a little effort, you can tailor the look to your own style.

Minimalist: let metal look like metal

If you prefer a modern feel, leave the tins unpainted. Against concrete walls, black railings, or wooden slats, they create a striking contrast. The reflective surface paired with rich greenery can look like a design piece from a shop.

Colourful and playful: add a splash of paint

Many hobby gardeners use weatherproof acrylic paint or spray paint. Pastel shades such as sage green, light blue, or rose work well alongside seat cushions and outdoor rugs. If you like, add small motifs - herb names, little sprigs, or dots.

• Lightly sand the tins before painting so the colour adheres better
• Only spray outdoors or with a window open
• Let everything dry fully before filling, so compost doesn’t stick to fresh paint

Flowers instead of foliage: trailing plants for romantic corners

Tin cans aren’t just for culinary herbs. Trailing flowers such as nasturtiums, trailing petunias, or so-called “snowflake flowers” also do well in these metal containers. If you want a wilder look, simply sow a colourful wildflower mix.

Many of these flowering plants attract insects. Bees and butterflies can find food even on a small city balcony. A few tins of nectar-rich plants among the herbs noticeably boost the spot’s ecological value.

What matters for watering and choosing the right spot

Herbs may seem low-maintenance, but in pots they can become sensitive quickly. In metal containers, compost heats up fast in strong sunshine and dries out sooner.

• Choose a sunny spot that isn’t too windy
• In summer, water moderately morning and evening rather than heavily once
• Avoid waterlogging - it’s better to let the compost dry slightly in between
• A little liquid feed every few weeks supports growth

If your herbs look limp despite regular watering, check the drainage holes. They’re often blocked by compost or limescale. Gently tapping out the tin and reopening the holes usually solves it.

How safe is growing plants in metal containers?

Many people wonder whether it’s truly safe to grow vegetables and herbs in old tins. As a rule, tins are made from tin-plated steel. Plant roots rarely touch the metal rim directly because compost sits between them.

If you want extra peace of mind, choose tins that are coated on the inside, or add a thin plastic liner (with drainage holes drilled into it as well). That way, the compost has even less contact with the metal. For ornamental plants, this isn’t an issue anyway.

Get more from it: leftover herbs and family projects

This tin-can idea is perfect for spontaneous gardening sessions with children. Each tin can be labelled, and little ones can plant and paint their own pots. It’s a playful way to learn how plants grow - and that not everything needs to go straight in the bin.

The mini herb garden is also useful for rescuing supermarket leftovers: a slightly wilted bunch of parsley, a pot of basil drooping in its plastic tray, or leftover mint sprigs from last night’s cocktails. Some can be stood in water to root and then planted into a tin. That noticeably extends their lifespan.

"If you pay close attention in the kitchen, you’ll soon notice: in many households, enough tins come in each week to fill an entire herb wall."

So the next time you open a tin while cooking, you don’t have to throw it away automatically. With a nail, a bit of compost, and a small herb plant, that supposed rubbish becomes a useful, unexpectedly decorative eye-catcher - and makes even the smallest balcony a little greener.