Instructions:  

• Completely wash and dry aluminum can. If necessary, sand off any rough edges from opening of can.Turn can upside down. Parent should use screwdriver or other pointed object to poke holes in the bottom of the can. Use a hammer to tap the end of the screwdriver to make the holes.
• Paint outside of can with one coat of gesso. Let dry completely.
• Paint can in the desired color, repeat coats if needed.
• Decorate however you like. Use a thin paint brush for long lines, dip the end of the paint brush into paint for polka dots.
• In a well-ventilated area, spray the outside of the completed can with acrylic sealer spray. Let dry.
• Place enough rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the can to form a single layer.
• Add enough potting soil to fill the can two-thirds full.
• Remove potted herb or seeds from its container and transplant into the can.
• Fill edges with remaining potting soil, gently pat down so that plant is firmly in the can but not compacted so much that it’s too tight.
• Place can on a plate (to catch any water drainage) and add some water to the newly planted herbs.
• Paint craft stick whatever color you like. Allow to dry.
• Cut a piece of thin cardboard into a small rectangle (about 1.5 x 3 inches) using pinking shears.
• Paint both side of the cardboard with gesso, let dry.
• Glue the rectangle to the top of the craft stick.
• Use a black permanent marker to write the herb name onto the rectangle.
• Insert your plant marker into the soil, being careful not to crush any roots along the way.
• Place your new garden in a sunny window and remember to water them!

Things to Consider:

• A 4-inch potted plant will be enough to make 2-3 vegetable sized cans (15 oz) or one larger tomato sauce type can (28 oz). 
• This is a great project to teach kids about growing plants, especially edible ones!
• Consider taking this opportunity to visit your library and checking out a book on gardening with kids. Here are a few ideas from our friends at amazon.
• Enjoy the herbs... your little one is sure to beam when they get to pinch off a basil leaf or some oregano to add to some pizza or tomato sauce.
• Keep the kids involved in taking care of their plant. Show them how to check to see if the soil is just right or too dry by gently touching the soil with their finger. Have them water them if they're too dry. It can be something they do daily - and children are always looking for something to keep boredom at bay.