Today, I decided to get my hands dirty and do something fun with those old tin watering cans I had lying around. I’ve seen some pretty cool DIY projects online, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?”
Gathering My Supplies
First things first, I needed to gather all my materials. I found a couple of tin watering cans in the garage – they were pretty rusty, but I figured that would add to the charm. Besides the cans, I also grabbed:

- Some sandpaper – to deal with the rust.
- Spray paint – I went with a bright, cheerful yellow.
- Some potting soil– because, well, plants.
- A few small succulents – they’re easy to take care of.
- A drill with a small drill bit – for drainage holes.
Prepping the Cans
The first step was to tackle that rust. I took the sandpaper and started scrubbing away. It took a bit of elbow grease, but I managed to get most of the rust off. I didn’t worry about making them perfect – a little bit of rust just adds character, right?
Next, I wiped the cans down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.
Painting Time!
Now for the fun part! I took the cans outside – always spray paint in a well-ventilated area, folks! – and gave them a couple of coats of that sunny yellow spray paint. I let each coat dry completely before applying the next. The transformation was amazing! From rusty old cans to bright, cheerful planters.
Adding Drainage
Once the paint was completely dry, it was time to add some drainage holes. I flipped the cans over and carefully drilled a few small holes in the bottom of each one. You don’t want your plants sitting in water, after all.
Planting the Succulents
Finally, the moment I’d been waiting for – planting! I carefully filled each can with some potting soil, then gently tucked in my little succulents. I gave them a little water, and voilà! My new, upcycled tin watering can planters were complete.
I’m pretty stoked with how they turned out. They add a nice pop of color to my patio, and it’s a great feeling to know I gave those old cans a new lease on life. It’s a simple project, but it’s super satisfying. If you’ve got some old watering cans lying around, I definitely recommend giving this a try!