1. Recycled indoor herb or salad planters
An indoor herb/salad garden can make a lovely gift and it’s healthy too! Salad leaves and herbs can be grown indoors throughout the year and are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre.
You will need:
Empty ring-pull tin cans (e.g. soup or vegetables), washed and dried with the labels removed. If the edges are sharp, seal these with some masking tape.
Seeds of your choice (lettuce or herbs all work well) or small plug plants
Compost
Waterproof paint (suitable for metals) and brush
Plant labels (e.g. chalkboard paint)
Hammer and nail
1. Ask an adult to make some drainage holes in the bases of your cans. We did this using a nail and a hammer. Paint the cans the colour(s) of your choice using a waterproof paint suitable for metals. Don’t forget to paint 4-5 cm from the top inside the cans as this will be visible. Why not play with the colours or add some fun designs to make your cans extra special.
2. Wait for your cans to dry. You may need to use 2-3 coats of paint to cover the cans completely. Once the paint is dry, you can decorate your cans in any way you like! Remember that your plants will need to be watered so your decoration should be waterproof. Add some labels to show which seeds you have sown. I’ve used some chalkboard stickers.
These would make great gifts. What not try some metallic paints? I’ve used copper here. You could also try this with empty coffee containers. Using plug plants are a great way of getting quick results. Why not design and make a matching drip tray?
A strategic health initiative from Project HOPE UK