I absolutely love having fresh herbs to cook with. Typically, I grown them in large containers outside and on the porch. It’s nice though to have a some smaller plants in the kitchen, the ones that get used a lot like basil, oregano and parsley to name a few.
Do you have a Mother’s Day gift picked out? Does you mom love to cook? I think this DIY kitchen herb garden is a great Mother’s Day gift idea.
After spending a small fortune on large planting containers a couple of weeks ago, I knew I wanted to something more economical for this kitchen herb garden. My Mom had the brilliant idea of painting some soup cans. I love her for that! It’s great when you can upcycle something and it turns out incredibly cute.
How to Make Your Own DIY Kitchen Herb Garden
What you will need:
soup cans
craft paint
paint brushes
adhesive chalkboard labels
white chalk marker
small rocks or pebbles
potting mix
starter herb plants
First, wash and dry your empty tin cans, and paint them. My mom painted our cans with Anne Sloan Chalk Paints in the colors Versailles and Provence. Any chalky or acrylic craft paint will work. I personally love the chalk paints, because they go on so smooth and creamy and you usually only need one coat. Foam brushes are perfect for painting your cans. Let the cans dry completely.
Get your labels ready. I used these adhesive chalkboard labels
Place a handful of rocks in the bottom of each tin can. This will allow for drainage.
Add a small scoop of dirt. You won’t need much, because the plants already come with dirt. Use your best judgement on this. Carefully, place the plant into the can and top off with additional soil if necessary. After you are finished with all of your planting, be sure to water them.
Wipe off any dirt from the cans with a cloth and add your labels.
I have to admit that I’m kinda loving how these turned out. About the plants, if you have time, you could easily grow your own herbs from seed. However, if you are in a time crunch or are just impatient like me, small starter plants from the garden center work great.
If these herbs are snipped and used frequently, you should be able to keep them in the cans for a long while. However, there may come a time when you will need to find them a new home out in your garden. If that happens, just start some new ones!
Do you know someone who would enjoy getting this as a Mother’s Day gift?
For more easy gift ideas, visit a few of my favorite bloggers participating in this #CreativeHop:
- DIY Lavender Facial by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
- Easy Cookie Platter Mother’s Day Gift by A Mom’s Take
- DIY Mother’s Day Herb Garden Gift by Mom Does It All
- DIY Vanity Tray by Style on Main
- Homemade Painted Glass Bottle by Our Family World
- Thanks a Latte Teacher Gift by Simply Southern Mom
- DIY Shea Butter Lotion Bars by Better in Bulk
- DIY Mother’s Day Coupon Book for Twin Moms by Mom on the Side
- DIY Butterfly Wall Hanging by Home and Garden Cafe
- Party Worthy Spinach Salad with Strawberries by Day by Day in Our World
- DIY Aromatherapy Shower Fizzies by My So Called Balanced Life
- Easy DIY Photo Coasters & a Delicious Mocktail to Spoil Mom by Two Boys One Girl One Crazy Mom
- Add Some Style to Your Sunglasses by Greta’s Day
- Pasta Picture Frame by Upstate Ramblings
- Easy Marquee Letter Craft by Momma D Jane’s Blog
- School’s Out for Summer Gift by The Guavalicious Life
Stephanie R says
April 20, 2015 at 9:15 AMThis is the cutest way to repurpose some old cans. I have been thinking about starting a small garden and this idea would be perfect!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
April 20, 2015 at 11:17 AMThat’s the most adorable herb garden I’ve ever seen! What a great way to get fresh herbs and a little whimsy at the same time.
Dawn says
April 20, 2015 at 11:19 AMI love fresh herbs, and this is such a cute way to keep them in the house. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Kecia says
April 20, 2015 at 11:53 AMWhat a neat idea for your kitchen! We use a few herbs very often, so it would be handy to have them within reach.
Amanda H. says
April 20, 2015 at 1:16 PMI love this idea. I was just thinking that I wanted to start a garden.
Pam says
April 20, 2015 at 2:30 PMWhat a cute idea. And what a great way to recycle soup cans.
Melissa Pezza says
April 20, 2015 at 3:39 PMI’m definitely making these! I love fresh herbs, and the look of these is just TOO adorable.
Liz Mays says
April 20, 2015 at 5:13 PMI’d love to recycle some cans like this. They really did end up looking amazing!
Janel says
April 20, 2015 at 6:22 PMThose are so cute, love the chalkboard paint!
Jeanine says
April 20, 2015 at 7:13 PMI love this! This is perfect for me. We don’t have a garden but I would love to, so this is a great option until we move!
Terry says
April 20, 2015 at 7:56 PMI love growing herbs. It is so nice to pick your own fresh herbs to cook with. I even have my husband cooking with herbs now.
Marcie W. says
April 20, 2015 at 8:17 PMI am SO in love with this idea! We are looking for ways to add some bright pops of color to our kitchen and this herb garden would serve that purchase and more.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
April 20, 2015 at 8:40 PMThese came out super cute! Neat idea! I would like to try to grow my own herbs and that’s a great way to recycle the cans instead of just tossing them!
Theresa says
April 20, 2015 at 9:37 PMI bet these look adorable in your kitchen! Such a fun way to upcycle some tin cans!
Demetra @SweetSavant says
April 20, 2015 at 9:40 PMWhat a fantastic DIY project, I’m definitely going to try this. I love those chalk board labels. That’s a great idea.
Crystal says
April 21, 2015 at 8:33 AMThis would be a fabulous Earth Day project to make with my kids this week. I love the look of the soup cans, but knowing they’re reused makes it even better.
Ellen Christian (@ellenblogs) says
April 21, 2015 at 10:29 AMSuch a great idea! I love that you upcycled tin cans for the containers!
Christie says
April 21, 2015 at 10:47 AMI should make one for my mom for Mother’s Day! She loves using fresh herbs
melisasource says
April 21, 2015 at 12:07 PMThis is such a cute idea! I’m going to try this in my backyard!
Debbie Denny says
April 21, 2015 at 12:18 PMThis is a spectacular idea. Perfect for a gift.
[email protected] says
April 21, 2015 at 12:27 PMThat looks like a great gift for teachers. Just in time for teacher appreciation week.
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
April 21, 2015 at 1:02 PMThis is an awesome idea. I am going to show this to kiddo because I am pretty sure she will want to do this for her grammie. So cute.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
April 21, 2015 at 3:00 PMI have been wanting to grow my own herbs and save money! Also, I love the cute cans you painted and used.
Ann Bacciaglia says
April 21, 2015 at 4:05 PMThis is such a cute way to do a herb garden. i will have to make a few for my house.
Debbie L. says
April 21, 2015 at 9:59 PMGreat Mother’s Day gifts! I plan to help the kids make some of these for their Mom
Jocelyn McGaffic says
April 21, 2015 at 11:53 PMHow cute! I have been using more recycled products for crafts and these are adorable. I love the chalk paint too.
Cinny says
April 22, 2015 at 5:50 AMThat is an adorable garden and so cute! I would love to have a few for my own.
LauraOinAK says
April 22, 2015 at 2:23 PMThese came out super cute and make for such a practical gift idea. I need to grow my own herbs this year and will consider these for my kitchen.
Amanda says
April 22, 2015 at 4:45 PMThese are so cute! Easy and fun to make too! Love it!
Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says
April 22, 2015 at 7:19 PMNot as a gift, but I am planning to create my own herb garden this year – just trying to work out the details! I didn’t realize that the rocks would allow for drainage in a closed container, awesome!
Carly Brydon says
April 22, 2015 at 7:31 PMThee are beautiful! I would love to make a set for myself and my mother-in-law for Mother’s Day!
Amanda says
April 23, 2015 at 12:16 AMThis is so cute! I’ve been thinking about starting my first garden. Your idea makes it a little less intimidating.
Ourfamilyworld says
April 24, 2015 at 1:08 PMI love love this idea.
Melinda Dunne says
April 25, 2015 at 1:09 PMI love the fact that you are up-cycling soup cans. That is a great way to make something from nothing and being able to use chalk to label is awesome.
Tammy says
April 26, 2015 at 8:55 AMSo cute…love the colors you picked for the recycled cans…great idea! Thank you for sharing at Share it One More Time
Katie says
April 26, 2015 at 9:25 AMThese are so cute! I love upcycled soup projects! Thanks for linking up at DIY Sunday showcase this week!
Brittanie @Simplistically Living says
April 26, 2015 at 10:06 PMThese are so cute and inexpensive to make. Love upcycled projects! Neat idea! I am pinning to my gardening board. Visiting from Sunday Showcase linky.
Julie says
April 27, 2015 at 5:31 PMThey look lovely, perfect for the kitchen window sill or just by the back door. I love the chalkboard stickers you used, perfect for this.
Erin @ Table for 7 says
April 27, 2015 at 6:47 PMWhat a great idea..those are adorable!
Thanks so much for sharing at Inspire Me Mondays. Can’t wait to see what you share next week 🙂
Christie says
April 28, 2015 at 8:58 AMThis herb garden looks great!
Mandee says
April 28, 2015 at 9:44 AMThese are so cute! I have been wanting to plant some herbs, and this idea will get me started. I love the use of the cans, painting them, and the labels. Can’t wait to get started. Thanks!
[email protected] says
April 28, 2015 at 9:54 AMThis is a cute way to grow some herbs in the window. I love the pretty colors and the chalkboard labels. I need to start growing my own and drying them for myself instead of buying. Pinning and sharing, Thanks!
CD Loken says
April 28, 2015 at 8:48 PMAwesome re-purpose+a VERY creative way to display must have herbs!! Thank you so much for sharing at The Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!!!
Darla at HeartWork Organizing says
April 28, 2015 at 10:23 PMI love the idea of having herbs in the kitchen. It’s the keeping them alive that’s hard…
Marina @ Parental Journey says
April 29, 2015 at 5:39 AMIt’s such a neat idea! I would like to get this as a gift 🙂
Laurie says
April 29, 2015 at 11:33 PMLove these! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Brag About It!
~Laurie
Mistee Dawn says
May 2, 2015 at 3:56 PMThis is so super cute. I would love to have some of these in my kitchen!
shelly peterson says
June 8, 2015 at 11:16 AMThis is such a great idea! The cans look super cute!
Tamra Phelps says
June 15, 2015 at 8:11 PMI love this idea! I wouldn’t be doing it as a gift, though. I want to do it for myself, lol!
Fee Roberts says
June 19, 2015 at 10:37 PMThese are adorable. I love growing my own herbs, though I’ve never thought about giving herbs as gifts. Thanks for the idea.
Elisabeth says
June 24, 2015 at 11:44 AMThese are really cute! I think I’d be more inspired to cook if I had fresh herbs in my kitchen.
gaa says
June 30, 2015 at 1:38 AM\ want to grow my own herbs, instead of running between different shops looking fir the fresh herbs I need, buying them in a pack, using only a portion of it and letting the rest rot away.
Thing is, I’m wondering, can I grow them like that in the middle of a large city? Won’t they get all the pollution and all? Will they be safe to eat?
sheila ressel says
July 7, 2015 at 10:26 AMThis is such a wonderful idea. I am going to start saving cans now so I can make this for my mom and my sister for their respective birthdays. I know they will love it!
Cathey Flynn says
July 8, 2015 at 10:38 AMIt’s exactly what I needed for my mother’s birthday! She loves herbs, but she doesn’t have a garden, so that was my idea for a gift. I’m making a little kitchen garden for her and for myself this weekend. I’m sure she’ll definitely appreciate it. Thank you for the hints!
Leigh Anne Borders says
July 22, 2015 at 6:07 PMI really love this idea. I have recently started doing more cooking and really thought about having my own herbs but I am not much of a gardener. This looks like such an easy and cute way to grow my own.
Kimberly M. says
August 12, 2015 at 1:16 PMThese are such cute practical gifts. I know so many people that would appreciate and love them. Thank you for posting.
Sohair says
August 16, 2015 at 2:46 AMI’ve done something similar outside my house but I like bigger portions thanks
Tracey says
September 7, 2015 at 10:03 PMThese are such a genius idea. I love this easy, DIY upcycle!
DJ says
September 11, 2015 at 1:49 PMThis is such a great idea and I love the upcycled cans too.
Angie Fiack says
September 14, 2015 at 3:16 PMWhat a cute idea. I’m going to do this for my neighbor.
MEG TUCKER says
September 18, 2015 at 7:50 AMI am seriously doing this! Just so over spending my hard earned money on pricey herbs at the supermarket!
Lisa Brown says
September 20, 2015 at 6:19 AMIt;s a great idea. We have so many on those tin cans to recycle, it’s nice to know they can be reused for something very useful.
Rosie says
October 10, 2015 at 10:54 AMwhat a nice idea knowing you are upcycling and being creative and thoughtful all at the same time!
Amy Orvin says
October 23, 2015 at 1:40 PMThese herb pots are so cute and look so easy to make. My mom would really love some to put in her kitchen window. This is a craft we could both do together. Thank you!
Barrie says
October 25, 2015 at 8:00 PMI really want to grow herbs and this is a great idea! And because it’s easy, I can do this!
lorencia mccullum says
December 8, 2015 at 1:37 PMThis is such a cute and easy way to start learning how to grow your own herb. IM going to do this with my 3 precious little girls who I know would love to do this. Also we would be recycling our cans. so this is a win win in my book.
Kathy Fuierer says
December 14, 2015 at 10:14 AMI love this post! My daughter just purchased a house and because of all we are doing to remodel we decided on no Christmas presents. Little does she know Mom just can’t do that and this is a fantastic idea! Thank you!
Marielle Altenor says
May 29, 2016 at 8:38 PMI think this is a great idea for a gift. I personally would love to get this. I have a garden where I have lots of vegetables but I don’t have any herbs!
Laura says
June 30, 2016 at 3:35 PMThis is such a neat idea. I love reusing and upcycling items. Love it!
Sara Zielinski says
May 25, 2017 at 1:16 PMThis is a great idea for growing herbs.
Barrie says
May 30, 2017 at 9:46 PMI really want to grow herbs as I’ve discovered fresh tastes so much better than dried. I love your idea; so easy!
Marian says
June 1, 2017 at 11:12 AMThese are so cute! I have some lavender seeds I’ve been meaning to plant. This would be a fun and colorful way to plant them inside.
Justin tan says
June 20, 2017 at 7:00 PMWe just started a little herb garden in our backyard. taking all these tips for sure. thanks for sharing
Maryann D. says
June 28, 2017 at 6:06 AMDIY KITCHEN HERB GARDEN is such a fun and lovely craft. I would enjoy doing this with my daughter.
Sarah L says
July 7, 2017 at 2:01 AMThis is such a fine idea. They are nice enough to give for gifts.
Kymi Adams says
August 9, 2017 at 8:45 PMI love how this turned out great way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Perfect proect to do with my family. Thank you for sharing.
Kimberly Flickinger says
August 13, 2017 at 1:32 PMThis is an excellent idea, will definitely keep this in mind.
Rust says
August 14, 2017 at 5:00 PMVery appealing! I love having fresh herbs growing in my kitchen windowsill and use them often.
Dina L says
August 14, 2017 at 8:10 PMSo Simple and very creative! Thanks for the great crafting idea!
katie says
June 27, 2018 at 11:32 AMThis would be perfect for us because when the wind comes it just makes us lose all our herbs 🙁 but if they’re in the cans we can move them around until the weather calms down.