How To Make A Coffee Can Herb Garden
If you or someone you know likes coffee and brews it at home on a daily basis, you probably have or have access to more than a few metal coffee cans. Instead of throwing them out, take one and make yourself a coffee can herb garden. Growing herbs in pots is quite easy and useful, too. After you see how wonderful it looks and how easy it was to make, you will find yourself making them as gifts for your friends and family.
To make your Coffee Can Herb Garden, you will need:
- A metal coffee can
- A hammer and a long nail
- Metal primer as the base coat for the paint you use
- Acrylic paint, any color(s) that pleases you
- Other items you may wish to use include, crackle medium, paint brush(es), rubber stamps or stencils.
To begin this project, wash the can and take off any labels it may have. If there are any rough spots, take a piece of sand paper and smooth. Turn the can upside down, and with the hammer and nail, punch 3 holes in the bottom. These are for drainage so make sure the holes are larger than just a little pinhole. Next, apply a layer of primer. You may spray it on or use a paintbrush. Do not skip this part. Primer will help the other paint stick to the can and not peel off.
Once the primer has dried, you can then paint the coffee can as you like. Many like using bright acrylic paints while others like the plants to be the only focal point. There is no better color choice than another. Go with whatever makes you feel good.
Once you have primed and painted your can, it is time to decorate it. The crackle finish is a very popular look and easy to do. To do this, paint the can one color and when dry, apply a crackle medium (which can be purchased at any craft or art store) and then paint your second color of paint over it. As the crackle finish dries, the top color cracks revealing the undercoat cover. Try painting a can a deep blue and use a rich red overcoat. When completed, the cracks reveal the blue that contrasts nicely with the red. If that is too bold for you, try painting the can a medium to dark green and use a cream colored paint as the top coat. When it is completed, the green shows through giving a nice color variation. With all the different color combinations possible, it is easy to see why the crackle finish is so popular.
If this finish is not to your taste, you can use rubber stamps. If you have not been in the rubber stamp section of a craft store, you will be pleasantly surprised. You can find about any image imaginable available today. You are bound to find some that you will want to try. Be sure the stamps you use are flexible, as they have to be able to bend around a can. If yours are not flexible, it can be used, but you will have to take some extra care to make sure the image goes on cleanly and does not slip and smear. When using stamps, all you have to do is apply a light coat of acrylic paint on the stamp and press onto the can, being careful to rolling the stamp so the complete image is stamped. If it does not stamp well, you can just wipe it off carefully and try again.
Decoupage is another easy way to decorate your coffee can. You will need some decoupage medium which, again, can be easily found in just about any craft store. Following the directions is simple. It is basically just gluing. For your coffee can herb garden, empty seed packets, pictures of old seed packets, or just about any pretty artwork or magazine pictures can be used. Once everything is decoupaged on, a final coat of decoupage is put on to cover all the pictures.
Stencils are really simple to use. Tape the stencil of your choice, whether purchased or made by you, tightly to the surface. Using a small sponge, dab the excess off on a piece of paper or your palette and then apply the paint onto the stencil, working from the edges of the stencil towards the center. If the image is too light, reapply more paint until the desired color is achieved.
Whatever way you decorate you coffee can, you will want to protect the final finish. Apply a coat of sealer to it. If it is to be used outside, applying a second coat (after the first one dries) is necessary. Even if you do not use it outside, a second coat, in my opinion, is a good idea.
Once everything is good and dry, it is time to plant the herb of your choice. Basil, chives, oregano, parsley and thyme are great choices. Mints are great container plants and scented geraniums are also great container plants.
Place some gravel, broken pieces of pottery or a few rocks at the bottom of the can to allow proper drainage. Fill the can with good potting soil, up to about an inch from the rim. This gives you room to water the plant without the water overflowing the edges of the can. Plant the herb as directed on its packaging and water.
You are finished! You have a your own beautifully potted herb to enjoy all year long. These also make great gifts. To give as a gift, add an information tag telling what the herb is, how to care for it and maybe even a few easy recipes so they can enjoy it even more. The tag can easily be attached with a simple florist pick. This gift would be appreciated by almost anyone. Just remember not to get stuck just growing or giving away just one kind of herb. There are a multitude of wonderful herbs that can be grown in pots, so be adventurous!
If you do not wish to give a live plant as a gift, here is another great idea for this coffee can planter. Instead of giving a potted herb, add gardening gloves, a garden trowel or hand shovel, a packet of seeds, a small package of cookies or tea biscuits and a box of tea. Do-it-yourselfers really like this type of gift.
As you can see, making a coffee can herb garden is simple. This is a great project to express your creative side. Give it a try.
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