I didn't want to post this idea until I was sure the plants wouldn't die, but they're as healthy as I could hope for!

My Idea was to upcycle paint cans into a hanging planter. I had a few empty paint cans laying around and I decided to put them to use. I scraped out the dried paint as best I could and gave the inside a rinse. Then I removed the labels and spray painted the outside. Once that was dry I drilled drainage holes into the bottoms of the cans. I attached three cans together with some heavy duty twine (knowing what I know now, I would probably only do one or two paint cans per hanger because 3 is HEAVY). I lined the bottom of the cans with paper towel to keep the peat moss in when I watered (I made my holes a little to big ). I filled each can about 1/3 full with peat moss and planted with potting mix. I bought a "hanging basket chain and S-hook set" from Walmart that easily attached to the paint can handles for hanging. I loved how easy this project was and now I finally have a hanging basket for my very shaded front porch!

That is a really good and original idea. I threw some acorns at you.

Great idea!

Cool idea!

Thanks for the acorns! I'm glad it worked and the best part is that I can reuse it for many years to come.

Brilliant idea, Michele! I imagine a lot of us have old paint cans sitting around.

It is brilliant, and unique and beautiful too!

That look would be great on our old farmhouse front porch. I would never have thought of something like that. On the list for next year! Thanks.

Is it okay to leave the dried paint residue when planting in these used paint cans?

Frenchy21 said:Is it okay to leave the dried paint residue when planting in these used paint cans?

I was worried about killing the plants, which is why I did scrape down the dried paint residue. It may not have an effect on the plants to leave the dried paint but I did not want to risk it.