If you’ve ever looked at an empty tin can and thought, “Should I throw this?” — maybe don’t.
I’ve been using old tins for planting for quite some time now — ghee tins, cookie boxes, tea containers, even a few old paint cans. They started as a small experiment on my balcony, but honestly, I’ve grown to like them more than the fancy pots.
There’s something simple and good about turning something useless into something living.
Why I started planting in tins
It wasn’t some big DIY plan. One day, while cleaning a shelf, I found a few old tins that had dents and scratches but still looked strong. I poked a few holes in the bottom, filled them with soil, and added some cuttings of money plant and mint.
They grew.
Not only that, the plants actually started to look better — thicker, greener, more alive. That’s when I realised tin cans aren’t just a creative idea; they actually work well for plants if you use them properly.
How tin cans help the plants
People often assume metal is bad for plants, but that’s not true at all. It just needs a bit of care.
- Drainage:
You can make exact holes at the bottom, so the water drains properly without soaking the roots. - Temperature:
Tin adjusts fast. It might warm up in sunlight, but it also cools down quickly — especially when you water it. That balance actually helps the roots breathe better. - Compact roots:
Because tins are smaller, roots don’t spread endlessly. They become denser and healthier, which is perfect for herbs, succulents, or smaller flowering plants. - A bit of rust isn’t bad:
A little rust on the inside is fine. It even adds trace minerals like iron to the soil — something your plants actually use.
A planter I made myself
One of my favourite pieces in my garden is a tin can planter I made a few months ago.
It was a regular can, but I decided to try something new with Fevicryl Mouldit. I shaped a small flower on the surface, let it dry, then painted it using acrylic colours. After that, I applied varnish for protection.
The colour combination turned out warm and happy — a brown base with an orange flower. It looked completely handmade, which is exactly why I liked it.
It’s been several months now, and it’s still going strong. I keep it outside in direct sunlight most of the day. The paint hasn’t faded, and the surface still shines a bit because of the varnish. I just make sure it doesn’t stay out in rain.
That’s the thing with handmade things — when you take care of them a little, they surprise you by lasting much longer than you expect.
What grows best in tin cans
I’ve grown all sorts of small plants in tins over time.
Some of the ones that do really well:
- Mint and basil — they stay compact and healthy.
- Money plant — it grows easily even with little soil.
- Petunia and vinca — perfect for small flowering spots.
- Succulents like jade, aloe pups, or small echeveria.
Avoid very large plants or anything with deep roots. They’ll outgrow the can too fast.
How to prepare the tins
It doesn’t take much.
- Clean them properly.
Especially if they held oil, paint, or anything chemical. Soap and hot water usually work fine. - Make drainage holes.
Just a few small holes with a nail or screwdriver at the base. - Add a small lining.
A bit of coconut fibre or paper at the bottom helps protect the roots and control water flow. - Use good soil.
I usually mix normal soil with compost for airiness. I used to mix sand too, but now I have stopped it as it started to give me undesireable results.
That’s it. Simple.
What I like most about them
Every tin looks different. Some are shiny, some dull, some have their original labels still visible. I don’t try to make them all match. The variety is what makes them interesting.
When sunlight hits them in the morning, the metal glows softly. In between the clay pots, the tins add a bit of brightness and break the monotony.
They age beautifully too — the edges rust a little, the paint chips here and there, but that’s fine. It makes them look lived in.
A few small lessons
- Place them wisely: keep them where they get morning or partial light, not harsh afternoon sun.
- Keep an eye on watering: metal doesn’t breathe like clay, so balance your schedule.
- Avoid direct rain: if water sits too long, it can rust through faster.
I’ve been using some of mine for over two years now — still holding well. Occasionally, I repaint or touch up the edges. A bit of care goes a long way.
Why it actually makes sense
Growing in tins isn’t just about being creative or eco-friendly. It’s genuinely practical:
- You recycle something that would otherwise end up as waste.
- You save space — tins are slim and fit anywhere.
- You can easily move them around.
- They last longer than most plastic pots.
And the best part? They make your garden look real — not overly styled, not store-bought, just honest.
What it means to me
Whenever I see those old tins filled with green, I’m reminded that even small, forgotten things can still have life in them.
That’s what Deepak Offline has always been about — doing things with your hands, at your own pace, and finding beauty in ordinary corners.
So yes, I grow plants in tin cans. Not because it’s trendy or unusual — but because it works. And because it quietly reminds me that almost everything deserves a second chance.
