Before Reusing A Coffee Can In Your Garden, Do This First

Whether you buy Cafe Bustelo, Illy, or Cafe Du Monde coffee, you've likely pondered what to do with the tin can once it's been used up. While you could just throw it into your recycling bin, you could also take advantage of its versatile shape and sturdiness and utilize it in a different way. From baking in your coffee can to using it as a last-minute grill, there are plenty of creative ways to give it a second life. One of our favorite ways to reuse coffee cans is in the garden. Their shape makes them the perfect pot for plants. However, there's one important step you won't want to skip when doing so; otherwise, your plants won't be able to drain. 

Proper drainage is critical when it comes to potted plants. It doesn't matter what you're planting; if there's nowhere for the water to drain, slow growth, plant stress, fungal and bacterial growth, yellow leaves, and root rot are all highly likely. The solution? Make sure that whatever you pot plants in has at least one — preferably multiple — drainage holes at the bottom. Since your coffee can likely doesn't come with drainage holes (and if it does, you should probably return it), you'll need to do this step yourself. Luckily, it's easy and quick, and soon enough, you'll have your own indoor herb garden with loads of caffeine-fueled character.

Punching drainage holes in the bottom of your coffee can might sound daunting, but trust us: Even those who don't consider themselves to be very handy should be able to manage it. However, before doing so, make sure that you clean out the coffee can well, especially if you have a bunch that have been sitting in your garage collecting dust.

Once your coffee can is sparkling clean, assemble your materials. Thankfully, all you'll need is a thick nail and a hammer — two things you likely have at home already. Then, hold the nail where you want the drainage holes to go, and hammer it through the bottom of the coffee can until a clear hole appears. It's important that the hole goes all the way through; otherwise, it's not going to drain any water.

Once you've punched holes into your old coffee cans, you're ready to plant whatever your heart desires. Fill it with potting soil, add your plant (or seeds, if you decide to start from scratch), and take care of it just like you would any normal plant. Whether you go with an aromatic herb like thyme or want to try and grow the juiciest tomatoes, repurposing old cans in your indoor or outdoor garden is a great way to turn yours into an eco-friendly, multi-colored, and overall fun place to be.