We live in a world that moves fast, and often, we throw things away just as quickly. It’s become all too easy to discard and replace, especially with so many disposable products at our fingertips. But our planet is feeling the consequences. Global warming, climate change, and too many landfills are just some of the results of throwaway culture.
Before
The truth is, we can all do something. Small actions, when taken collectively, can add up to meaningful change.
For me, one of those small steps started in my garden.
Quite a few years ago, my twin daughters (now 13) spent hours playing with a wooden mud kitchen. It gave them days filled with fun and imaginative play. But now that they’ve outgrown it, it’s been sitting unused—weathered and worn by the seasons.
Rather than sending it off to landfill, I decided to re-purpose it into something useful: a patio herb garden.
This is a simple DIY project that re-uses something old and that in turn, helps the environment.
A quick note on choosing sustainable packaging
Before getting started, there’s one important detail to keep in mind: when buying your Cuprinol Garden Shades stain, make sure to choose the version that comes in metal packaging.
Why? Because it’s the most environmentally responsible choice.
Metal is a durable, endlessly recyclable material. It doesn’t degrade during the recycling process, meaning it can be reused again and again without losing quality. It also tends to be better for long-term storage and can be repurposed in creative ways once empty. By choosing paint in metal packaging, you’re making a simple yet impactful decision that supports sustainability. It’s a small step, but if more of us make choices like this, we can collectively reduce waste, lower our carbon footprint, and help preserve resources for future generations.
So now it’s time for my step-by-step guide tutorial to re-purposing a mud kitchen into a herb garden
Tools and materials you’ll need:
- 1 x 2.5L tin of Cuprinol Garden Shades stain (opt for metal packaging as it’s the most sustainable choice)
- 2 x plant pots
- Jigsaw
- Cordless sander
- Cordless screwdriver
- Hard bristle brush
- 2-inch paintbrush
- Alphabet stencil kit
- Dust sheets
Step 1 – Cleaning up
Start by laying down some dust sheets; the mud kitchen has likely picked up plenty of dirt and moss if it’s been outside for a while.
Use a hard bristle brush to scrub it thoroughly. Remove any plaques or decorative features from its previous life.
Step 2 – Creating space for herbs
To hold your herb pots, you’ll need two holes on the top of the kitchen.
If there’s an existing hole, use a jigsaw to widen it. Then measure and cut a second hole alongside it. Make sure they’re both the right size for your chosen pots.
Tip 1
Drill a starter hole to make it easier to insert and guide the jigsaw blade.
Step 3 – Sanding
Once you have sorted out the holes for the pot plants, move onto using the cordless sander. Sand all of the mud kitchen to a nice smooth finish.
Tip 2
Don’t worry about making it perfect! A slightly rustic look adds character and keeps the charm of its former use.
Step 4 – Painting
We are now ready to paint our new herb garden in Cuprinol Garden shades. I have chosen the colour. ‘Forget me Not’ which is a lovely deep, bright blue which gives a feeling of summer.
Next its time to choose your colour! I went with Forget Me Not, a rich, summer-inspired blue.
Apply two coats of Cuprinol Garden Shades stain, allowing at least two hours of drying time between coats. Not only does it bring colour back to the wood, but it also offers protection against the elements year-round.
1st Coat
2nd Coat
Step 5 – Decorate
Once everything is dry, finish it off with a label. You can use an alphabet stencil kit if you have one and carefully paint the words “Herb Garden” on the front panel.
Take your time with this part as slow and steady strokes give the cleanest finish.
Patio Herb Garden
With just a few tools and a bit of time, an old toy can be transformed into a practical herb garden. It’s a bit of fun and shows we don’t always need to buy new or discard old things.
Choosing paint in metal packaging is another small yet impactful choice, as it’s fully recyclable and far more sustainable. Remember, meaningful change often starts with making the most of what we already have!
Enjoy your new herb garden –post by DIY DADDY.
