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Recycled Tea Tin Planters

April 10, 2018

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Recycled tin containers make great planters.

Check out this cute idea and get the skinny on transplanting root bound plants.

Come see the fabulous results.

Recycled Tin Flower Pots With Pansy Flowers

Two years ago, on Easter Sunday, our family took a trip to Barnes and Noble. It was a quiet afternoon. 

We visited my mom at the nursing home, ate, took a walk and then decided we were bored. So we hit the only place that was open.

While we were there, my daughter ordered green tea with coconut and couldn't stop raving about it. 

I kept the tea tag so I could remember the brand and flavor, tucked it into a drawer and forgot about it.


Well, this Christmas, I found that tattered tag and decided to hunt it down and order it for my daughter. T

To my great surprise, it arrived in the prettiest lavender tin. Turns out she loved the tea, so I ordered more. And then even more.

I held on to the tins because they were too lovely to toss. 


I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but when the Ten on The Tenth ladies suggested we share container gardens this time around, I said bring it on.

Now, I don't have a green thumb. At all. Plus, it's actually snowing here today. 

Yes, in April...and I had a feeling it would be when I took on this challenge. However, I also knew that I had the perfect containers and that even I could keep pansies alive.

I figured that if they could thrive in a northeast spring, they could make it with me as their mama. In my kitchen. Well, at least, I hoped so.

So I got busy.

The tins are sweet, but aren't meant to house plants. No drainage.

Harney And Sons Tea Tins

So I added a few rocks to the bottom of each one. Just a quick scoop from the yard.

And I dropped them into the tins.

Adding Pebbles To Tins For Drainage

Next, I grabbed my potting soil and filled each tin about a quarter of the way. 

Pansies in pots on kitchen table

Luckily, I had some on hand. What I didn't have was flowers. So I grabbed four plants for five bucks at the nursery.

Like I said earlier, too cold to work outside, so I spread out on the kitchen table. Unfortunately, all of my pansies were root bound. 

You know, when the roots take on the shape of the pot and begin to grow in circles. Plus, they were coming out of the bottom and I couldn't get the plant out of the pot.

Root Bound Plants

The problem with root bound plants is that they don't easily root in their new environment. The roots grow in a circle and taking on the shape of the pot. 

The easiest way to remedy this is just to create a few cuts so the roots can spring out.

Root Bound Plant Solutions

Of course, I had to trim the roots on the outside of the pot in order to get the pansy free. 

The bottom then naturally opened up.

Planting In Recycled Tins

I placed each pansy inside a recycled tin, added more dirt and used my hands to make sure it was all tucked in. 

Everyone got a drink and that was that. I couldn't be happier with the way they turned out.

I love the fresh pop of color, the vintage feel and they look beautiful on my windowsill and in my brand new galvanized stand.

Recycled Tin Flower Pots on table

And all for under ten bucks.

How fabulous.

Gosh, I love tea.

Ten on The Tenth


Hey ~ now it's time to hop around! Don't miss any of the pretty, lots of container gardens to see ~

Kim Signature


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  1. I love those tea tins! Such pretty colors. I think they would be great for indoor herb garden containers too. Since I am a tea drinker - no coffee for me- these containers would be practically free. I'd say that's a win/win!

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    1. That's so funny, Tammy. I was considering herbs, like a small kitchen garden. I am not a good gardener, though, so I wasn't sure how that was going to go. Pansies are easy...and hearty!!

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  2. What an adorable idea for a kitchen. There is something so cozy about tea tins.

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    1. Thanks so much! When I saw them I just had to keep them!

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  3. Very cute, and pansies are such a cheery choice of plant. Day brightener for sure.

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    1. Thanks Lorri…and they are super cheery., especially on such a grey and cold day...

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  4. Those little tins are so sweet. I love this idea! :)

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    1. Thanks Stacey! I love the color. I may have to order different flavors just to get more tins! 😉

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  5. This was a clever idea - so colorful and pretty! At first I wondered if the tins might leak, but then I figured you put the lid on the bottom - but placing them all in a larger aluminum bowl was a great idea!! I just adore pansies, too!

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    1. Thanks Patti! I I was wondering the same thing, but so far, so good. No leaks. Also, I'm a terrible gardener, so overwatering won't be a problem. I usually forget. 😬 Poor little pansies...

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  6. Love your little Tea Tin Container Garden . . .
    I’d say you “win the prize” for pretty, tutorial, root bound instructions!

    And goodness gracious . . . I certainly have Good Luck with you . . .
    THANK YOU . . . (maybe there are two Lynne’s???)

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    1. Thanks Lynne! I know what to do, I come from a long line of very good gardeners. I am just very bad at the follow through! And congratulations!! Yay for you!!

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  7. Perfect little tins for small plants! I love their tea tins and always try to reuse them too!

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    1. They are just so pretty, with that dainty print and bold colors!

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  8. These little tins are really cute. The teas sound pretty delish too. Great idea.
    xoxo
    Kris

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    1. The tea is so good, Kris. We’ve only tried this flavor, but I imagine they’re all really good. I’m ready to order others just for the pretty tins!! xo

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  9. Darling idea! I have a difficult time tossing pretty tins too. The colors and the graphics are too interesting to just throw away. This is a great way to recycle.

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    1. Thanks...and I totally agree, Sarah! I have some cookie tins that are just too darling to toss. I've been keeping craft supplies in those.

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  10. I always keep my Harney and Sons tins. They're too pretty to part with. Love what you've done with yours!

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    1. They are just the prettiest! I didn't know anything about this tea until our trip to B&N. Now they are all addicted!

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  11. Kim you know I have the same problems as you, no green thumb, awful weather. I think those pretty tins did a lot to dispel that gloomy weather. Nothing prettier than a pin tin!

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    1. Thanks Mary! It really brightens the view on my windowsill!

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  12. How pretty the pansies look in the tea tins! I have SO MANY tea tins. My son-in-law gives me tea in a tin every Christmas. He enjoys the hunt for a different one each year; different shape, different kind of tea. And I save all the tins. I can display most of them on the shelf of my microwave cart, but some of the tin shapes just don't fit there.

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    1. What a fun gift, Kathy. It serves double duty, smart boy! I have just started collecting tins and I have to say, I can see how in this tiny cottage, it could become a problem…but a pretty one!

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  13. Oh, so pretty, Kim. Bright and cheerful. I haven't noticed that kind of tea around here, mostly just boxes..Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy

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    1. Thanks Judy! I had never seen the tins before either. I had to find the tea online. Our stores only carry boxes, too. They're not nearly as much fun! xo

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  14. Hi Kim, oh I love this idea to plant the pansies in a tea tin. The tin looks so pretty and now it's useful too. I will have to remember that the next time I see a tea tin. I can't wait to do some spring planting too. :0)

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    1. It was a fun way to get my spring planting fix, Julie, despite this awful cold weather. I just hope they make it!! And thanks! :)

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  15. Kim, Using the sweet pink tins is such a cute idea. They have a vintage vibe that is really nice. And they are free.

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    1. Thanks Carol. I just fell in love with the color...and free is fabulous!

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  16. I'm not a tea drinker, but those tins are adorable! Great idea!

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    1. I am so boring, Mari. I drink plain hot water. No fancy tins for that!! But my kids…now that’s a different story! 😉

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  17. Hi,
    My mom drinks that brand of tea. She also saves the tins. ;-) She stores her small craft supplies in them.
    I like the idea, I think I may need to ask my mom for any extra of her tins. :-)

    We still have snow, lots of it, more coming this weekend!!

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    1. That's so funny, Carla! I had never seen it before I hunted it down on Amazon. The tins are just so pretty, I had to keep them. I hope my plants make it though...I am not talented in that department like you are!!

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  18. I've done this in my garden. I have a row of tins on my back wall planted with sedums that are winter hardy. I rarely have to do more than water them in the summer.

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    1. They are just such sweet containers. I bet they look beautiful, Jenny!!

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  19. so beautiful! aren't little pansies the sweetest!
    but the tea sounds wonderful too. every single flavor. and I normally am not even a tea drinker!
    so it wins on both counts for me! xo
    we're expecting about 90 degrees on Thursday and then that night or the next down to 28 or 30 degrees. good lord.

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    1. The weather is nutty here, too, Tammy. There are constant rumors of more snow and the promise of 70 degree days. I just don't know...so I will just focus my pretty pansies instead. And thank you!

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  20. Now you're a real gardener Kim. I think of myself as one too, and you did exactly what I would do. The pansies look beautiful in the tin, and I love the tin color too BTW.

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    1. Oh Florence, thanks and I really hope so. I have been tending to these little ones on a regular basis and hope that they make it!

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  21. Kim,
    Sweet pansies in vintage tins, well it just doesn't get any better than this!
    Jemma

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    1. Thanks Jemma...simple, easy, sweet and free!

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  22. WOW! Great idea! small place, small tin, beautiful flowering plant:)

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    1. Thanks so much!! They really are pretty tins and so much prettier with the flowers.

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  23. That sounds like a lovely idea, Teri. I was thinking about using my tins to create a small kitchen garden (very small!!), like yours, but it’s been so cold, I wasn’t sure how that would go. Pansies don’t last that long around here, so I was thinking I could try herbs when they are done. We’ll see… Have a great afternoon!

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  24. Okay, now I need to order some of that tea just to get those containers! They look wonderful!

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    1. Thank you! They really are adorable, Penny! And I don’t even drink tea. Thank goodness someone around here does! 😊

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  25. These are so adorable! Love the color of the tins!

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    1. Thanks so much, Lorin! I love pansies, too...

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  27. Kim- you have such a gift. I love those tins.
    Just precious:)

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  28. That is adorable. I love those tins.

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    1. Thanks Katie! I’m a hot water drinker myself, but I do love those tins enough to start drinking tea. 😉

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  29. I love teas,but never heard of green tea coconut. Will have to give it a try and I also love the pink containers. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It was a lucky find, Betty, for her and I! I think I got the better end of the deal though! 😉

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  30. You are just the cutest thing ever, Kim! These would look lovely lined up on my kitchen windowsill.....now all I need are the tea tins!

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    1. Debbie, your comments always make me smile! Thank you! 😊

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  31. I just love those tins ...
    What a wonderful idea and your step by step guide is brilliant!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thanks so much, Jan! I am so glad you found the instructions helpful.

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  32. I love tea as well and I love the pretty tins. The whole arrangement is fab. I've converted a few tins to plants and it is usually quite easy to make holes with a hammer and nail if you want extra drainage and don't think you'll use the tin for anything else.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Thanks Amalia! My husband wanted me to poke holes in the bottom and I was all ready to do it, except I was keeping them on the windowsill. I couldn't figure out what to put underneath them, so I went with the rocks instead. However, I really would like to move these outside and if that happens, I will be using your hammer and nail trick for sure! It's a super tip and I'm so glad you mentioned it. xo

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  33. So cute!!!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by and for leaving such a kind comment on my post about my nephew and thanks for your prayers.....
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. It was sweet of you to come by. Continued prayers and positive thoughts to you all…

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  34. I have some of the same brand tea canisters but not in that lovely lavender. Right now the tins are in a box full of other unique canisters to use for plants. Our Dollar Tree sells mini faux succulents and I've collected a few for this project. Black thumb here, even if the plant is next to the kitchen sink, it doesn't stand a chance.
    The pansies you picked are beautiful! They are my favorite flowers to plant. I put them in my front yard which is maintained by the HOA and the only reason they grow. Left up to me...haha.
    I hope it warms up for you soon! Enjoy your tea and pretty flowers until then.

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    1. Thanks Audra! I really need to consider those faux succulents. I am very bad with plants. The only reason they are making it (for now) is because they are super hearty. I look at them and literally think to myself, wow, they need water, and then I don't water them. I don't know why or what's wrong with me...I get distracted, etc., and walk away. Bad, bad plant mom. 😣

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  35. Oh my, what sweet plant tins you created, Kim! I can never toss things like that either, but they usually end up in my craft room with something crafty inside....that's probably a shock, right? I cannot believe the weather you guys are getting; one snow storm after another! I thought our two-week Spring was over last week, so I swapped out most of my long-sleeves and long pants for lighter tees and capris...it actually hit the century mark at the airport! Now, all of a sudden, we are back into the 70's and 80's. I know that sounds warm to you, but when the humidity is in single digits, it's really quite nice.

    Chin up, I know you will get nice weather soon...I hope!
    Hugs,
    Carol

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    1. Oh Carol, thank you, your weather sounds amazing. I mean, I'm not sure I would be excited about 100 degrees, but somewhere in the 70s or 80s sounds divine! And I picked up a few more tins at the thrift store and I am trying to figure out how to use them. I am going with craft area storage. Great minds think alike!! Enjoy the week!

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  36. So cute! I love tea tins and this is a sweet way to display them.

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    1. Thanks Kristi. I figured if Mother Nature wasn't going to give me any spring, I'd make my own!

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  37. How pretty! I love the idea of using those lovely tins for planters! Your post will be featured tomorrow at Tuesdays with a Twist link party! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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    1. Thank you so much, Marci! What a fun surprise. 😊

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