We made upcycled can planters from empty BOS Ice Tea cans. BOS Ice Tea is a South African ice tea company and have sustainability as one of their core beliefs. BOS plants 1 tree for every 2000 cans sold to offset their carbon footprint. We thought the beautiful cans would make for awesome kitchen herb planters. Learn how we safely removed the top of the cans to do so.

upcycled can planters


Step 1. Assemble the tin cans you want to use for this upcycle. We chose one of each flavour of BOS ice tea. Remove the tabs of the can by wiggling them back and forth.

upcycled can planters

Now for the good stuff:

upcycled can planter

Step 2. The next step is to separate the tin can top from the body of the can. These two pieces of metal are sealed together at the top lip of the can. By rubbing the tin can top against sand paper you can separate the pieces quickly and efficiently. Focus on the lip of the can. We used 80 grit sandpaper. Sanding tip: Use long strokes and rotate the can around as you go. This will allow the full seal to be broken.

 

upcycled can planter

Step 3. Check that the full seam is separated. Spot sand the areas that need a bit more work.

 

upcycled can planter

Step 4. Now you want to seperate the top of the can from the body. Use a bit of force to break these pieces apart. You could use a hammer or a rock and a stick.

 

Step 5. Your can should now look like this.

 

upcycled can planter

Steps 6 – 7. Sand the inside rim of the can for a smooth finish on the top of your planter.
Poke holes in the bottom of your can for drainage. Use a drill, or a hammer and a nail for the job.

 

upcycled can planter

Step 8. Fill your new upcycled can planters with potting soil.

Step 9. Plant your herbs and watch them grow!

bos ice tea herb garden

Find out more about BOS Ice Tea here.

7 Thoughts on Upcycled Can Planters

  1. Nice idea but a bit of a job for something I can do with empty soup cans 😀

    Reply
  2. what do you do for drainage so you don’t flood your plants? drill a hole in bottom?

    Reply
    • well never mind about my question above,just have to read more carefully!

      Reply
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  4. I think these are great ideas!!

    Reply
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