Gardening isn’t just for people with big yards or magical green thumbs. Anyone, anywhere, can take part in this soothing hobby. If you have limited space to work with, you can always create a miniature garden indoors.

Mint tin gardens have been a lifesaver for apartment dwellers and office workers who want to bring their cubicle to life. Here’s how you can make a DIY garden in a mint tin.

What is a Mint Tin Garden?

A mint tin garden is exactly what it sounds like: a miniature garden made in an upcycled mint tin. Creating miniatures has become a fan-favorite crafting project with people making everything from miniature book nooks to fairy doors. 

Mint tins work exceptionally well for miniature gardens because they’re affordable and have a cover that can be repurposed as a tray. However, it’s not the only option for a whimsical mini garden— but more on that later.

How to Choose Plants for a Mint Tin Garden

The key to choosing plants for a mint tin garden is to pick options with shallow roots and low sunlight requirements. If you plan on putting your mint tin garden in a sunny window, you’ll have more flexibility with your plant options. However, you’ll also need to be mindful of your watering habits as the soil will drain quickly.

Some of the best plants for a mint tin garden include:

• Dragon’s Blood sedum – this flowering succulent has tiny seeds that are best started indoors. This perennial will adapt to several spaces it’s given and prefers rocky soil. This is one of the few succulents My Seed Needs shows in stock, as they can be challenging to find.
• Artillery ferns – these magical plants get their name from the popping sound they make as they sprout. Their delicate leaves are well-suited for a miniature garden. This plant survives with minimal attention.
• Angel’s Tears – this low maintenance plant practically takes care of itself. With tiny leaves and hardy nature, it’s a must for miniature indoor gardens. If you use angel’s tears, you may have to cut them back as they grow exponentially.
• Star moss – moss is a fantastic addition to any miniature garden. In particular, star moss is stunning to look at, earning its name from the star-shaped leaves it sprouts. 

You can also plant other succulents, cacti, or herbs in your mint tin garden, either as seeds or transplants. Be mindful of aggressive plants, like mint, as they can easily overtake your entire garden and kill the other plants.

How to Choose Soil for a Mint Tin Garden

When choosing soil for your mint tin garden, drainage is everything. Improper drainage will lead to overwatering and root rot, which will kill your garden before it even takes off. As space is limited for water collection, you’ll need to be mindful of your watering schedule.

The best soil for a mint tin garden is a cactus mix, which has superior drainage. If you’re using regular potting soil, you can add small pieces of gravel or river stones to the bottom of the tray to improve the drainage of your mini garden. 

How to Make a Mint Tin Garden

To make a mint tin garden, you will need a mint tin with a cover, a drill or nails, soil, and your seeds. 

1. Start by detaching the lid from your mint tin and setting it aside. 
2. Flip your mint tin over and add holes using a small drill bit or a hammer and nails. Do not puncture holes in the lid. 
3. Turn your tin back over and set it in the lid, which will act as your planter tray. 
4. Add the optional gravel and soil to your mint tin garden. 
5. Gently place the seeds or sprouts that you’ve chosen, leaving space for growth.
6. Gently water your garden, then watch it grow!

You can create a mint tin garden in a matter of minutes. These make perfect rainy day projects with children and cute, affordable gifts. You can customize your garden by adding a magnet to the bottom or painting the outside of the tin to suit your decor. Add some tiny furniture, signs, or gardening tools to bring your miniature garden to life.

Alternative Vessels for a Mini Garden

If you don’t have a mint tin handy or want to change up the look, there are a number of alternative vessels you can use. Some great miniature garden plots include:

• An old candle holder
• A teapot or teacup
• Tea tins
• Upcycled soup cans
• Terrarium
• A serving tray
• Mason jars
• Ladles and soup spoons
• Birdcages
• Toy trucks

Pretty much anything you can imagine can be repurposed as a miniature garden vessel. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see how small you can get when planting your small space indoor garden.

Have you made a small space garden in a mint tin?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

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