Think of this as a sort of trial run. That is, to see if this home gardening hobby is something you'll enjoy and pursue with a bit more investment. Fortunately, if it doesn't pan out you're left with something you can give to someone else as a distinctive handcrafted gift or toss it in the recycling bin.
First, get your hands on 1 or 2 metal coffee cans. Even if you aren't a coffee junkie, you won't have to go far to find people around who are devoted disciples to the cup of joe.
While you're at this, use the outside of the can as a canvas for your artistic renderings. In other words, have fun and decorate it. Wash out the can and strip away any labels. Paint the outside with a metal primer (spray paint might be the cheapest and easiest). Once dry, apply your choice of an acrylic paint--again you can opt for one of the newer all surface spray paints. Now let loose with your creativity. Sponge paint a design, glue on empty seed packets, paint flower or herb artwork. You can become the Picasso of plant pots!
To preserve your artistry, apply a coat of sealer. Better yet, use 2 coats. You're now ready to dig into how to grow fresh herbs indoors in your custom designed coffee container.
How To Plant Indoors - Farming Food For Fun In A Can
Turn over the can. Punch several holes in the bottom using a hammer and a hefty size nail--a 3 inch nail is good. If you don't have a big nail, hold several small nails together or punch several small holes together. These are drainage holes to prepare your campy can for planting and growing some fresh herbs indoors.
Time to get dirty! Turn over the can and fill with a packaged potting soil. Do not use soil from your backyard. Trust me on this and learn from my blunders. Growing an indoor home herb garden requires a lighter soil mixture that can retain moisture than the dirt out back. How much do you need? Fill the container so there is at least an inch gap to the top rim of the can. Hint: lightly dampen the soil before filling the can.
Aw, here is the most difficult task...choosing the herb for your first indoor garden planting. To make it easier, I'll suggest the easiest herbs to grow indoors. These herbs are easier to grow because they are hardy and require little attention. Parsley (either flat leaf or curly leaf), cilantro, and chives. My personal favorite is chives. I find a lot of uses for it to rock my routine recipes. Plus, my friends enjoy the occasional gift of fresh chives herbs.
Forget obsessing about whether to start from seed or starter plants. Seeds are cheapest, but you may find leftover seedlings at the local farmers market or garden center. Give freecycle.org a try to get some free seeds or starter plants. Your starter herb garden in a coffee can will open your indoor vegetable gardening adventure on a scale for you to be successful, green thumb or not.
