From the page: The can that yields music, cooking and art
Idea 7
Herb planter on the windowsill
Turning cans into pots is a tradition of grandmothers' kitchens and urban backyards: metal withstands sun and rain, and the can receives the plant directly, with no construction. On the windowsill, the herb gets the light it needs and stays within reach when cooking — little space, lots of use.
What you need
- Clean condensed milk cans (250 to 400 g)
- A nail and hammer (or a screw) to pierce the bottom
- Small pebbles or shards for drainage
- Potting soil (potting mix or soil + a bit of compost)
- Herb seedlings: basil, mint, chives, parsley or rosemary
- Paint or string to decorate (optional)
How to make it
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1
Wash the can well and remove the label; any condensed milk residue can attract ants and mold later.
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2
Make 4 to 6 holes in the bottom with a nail and hammer — without drainage, the roots rot in the accumulated water.
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3
Place a thin layer of pebbles at the bottom so the water drains without carrying the soil out through the holes.
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4
Fill with potting soil up to two fingers from the rim and settle the seedling in, at the same depth it was before.
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5
Place on a windowsill that gets at least 4 hours of sun and water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
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6
For decoration, paint the outside or wrap rustic string glued on — metal heats up in the sun, and covering the side protects the roots from excessive heat.
Finishing touches
Write the herb's name on the can with a marker or tag to make things easier in the kitchen rush. Mint and chives are the most generous: they grow fast and always come back after cutting.
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