Small Space Gardening | How to Make a Mint Tin Garden

It’s easy to have a garden in the smallest of spaces when it’s grown in a tin — and why not a mint tin?

It’s simple to convert a tin into a planter, it’s inexpensive and you’ll feel doubly good giving new life to something that would otherwise be tossed out.

How To Make A Mint Tin Garden

1. Unhinge the lid and set it aside. It should pop off easily, just try keep from bending your tin in the process.
2. Flip the tin over and drill out drain holes using a slender drill bit. If you don’t have a drill try using a hammer and nail. I’ve had luck with 4 drain holes fashioned in a rectangular pattern.
3. Once your drain holes are in, place your tin onto the lid. This will act as a saucer and give your planter a finished look — like with a Trash Can Planter.
4. Fill your new planter with soil. I’m using a cactus mix to match the succulents that will soon be living here.
5. Add plants or seeds. Choose small, shallow rooted plants or sprouts you plan to eat well before maturity (like radishes, wheat grass or alfalfa).

See the video: DIY Garden in a Mint Tin

If you choose to grow succulents like I am here, consider growing them from divisions using a mother plant or a plant you already have at home.

How To Divide Succulents

To divide a succulent like this Hens and Chickens simply break or cut the connecting stem or offshoot using clippers. You’ll see the offshoot (also known as a “pup”) is a bit like a strawberry runner.

Let it sit in a dry, shady location for a day or two before planting. This will allow the offshoot you just cut to callus over, protecting the plant from over watering and diseases.

Finally, plant your pups. When planting succulents nestle them on the soil surface (roots down) so they feel secure but not buried deeply.

I like to wait a couple days before watering and then, once I do water I’m sure to let the soil dry out in between — sometimes waiting 2 weeks or more between watering depending on the variety and time of year.

Other articles you might enjoy:

DIY Garden in a Mint Tin

How to Grow a Small Space Salad Garden

What to Plant: Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors