• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Home Tour
    • Master Bathroom
    • Kitchen
    • Kitchen Eat-In Area
    • Family Room
    • Living Room
    • Home Office
    • Laundry Room
    • Master Bedroom
    • Craft Room
    • Dining Room
    • Garage
    • Guest Room
    • Guest Bathroom
    • Patio
    • Powder Room
    • Teen Blue & White Bedroom
    • Teen Boho Chic Bedroom
  • Projects
    • Room Remodels
    • DIY Projects
    • Decorating Tips
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
  • Subscribe
  • Shop My Faves
  • Instagram
  • About
    • Contact
    • Meet Kris
    • FAQs
    • Media
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy

Driven by Decor logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Home Tour
    • Master Bathroom
    • Kitchen
    • Kitchen Eat-In Area
    • Family Room
    • Living Room
    • Home Office
    • Laundry Room
    • Master Bedroom
    • Craft Room
    • Dining Room
    • Garage
    • Guest Room
    • Guest Bathroom
    • Patio
    • Powder Room
    • Teen Blue & White Bedroom
    • Teen Boho Chic Bedroom
  • Projects
    • Room Remodels
    • DIY Projects
    • Decorating Tips
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
  • Subscribe
  • Shop My Faves
  • Instagram
  • About
    • Contact
    • Meet Kris
    • FAQs
    • Media
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Updated: Apr 12, 2023 by Kris Jarrett

    Galvanized Metal Tubs, Buckets, & Pails as Planters

    After having a tumbled paver patio installed this past fall, we’d like to add some outdoor furniture and planters to pretty up our new outdoor space.  I’ve been checking out planter options and have fallen in love with the idea of using galvanized metal tubs, buckets, and pails as planters. Just check out these gorgeous galvanized planters from Pottery Barn (post includes affiliate links):
    Pottery Barn

    Pottery Barn

    Pottery Barn

    Pottery Barn

    Pottery Barn

    Pottery Barn

    If you’d like to use galvanized containers as planters, I’ve got a few tips for making your container garden a success:

    • To ensure good drainage, drill a few holes in the bases of your planters and cover the holes with a piece of landscape fabric or screen mesh to prevent soil loss.
    • If you plan to keep your planters in a very sunny spot, line the sides of them with bubble wrap before adding your plants to insulate them from the hot metal.
    • Use a high quality potting mix for planting
    • If you’re using large galvanized tubs on your patio or deck, consider adding casters to the bottom to make them easy to move around.

    Galvanized planters are also  perfect for growing invasive plants such as mint that have a tendency to overtake gardens. And if you live a little closer than you’d like to your neighbor, think about using them to grow tall rush plants to serve as a privacy screen as shown {here}.

    One final tip – pick up one or two more planters than you plan to use for gardening because they also make the best shabby chic coolers for those summer outdoor parties!

    Pottery Barn

    Pottery Barn

    For a more festive look, freeze water balloons and use them instead of ice in your galvanized planter. I used white water balloons for this gathering but colorful ones would be perfect for a kids’ party!

    Add frozen water balloons to an outdoor cooler instead of ice for a festive touch! Would be cute with colorful balloons for a kid's birthday party too!

    For more simple outdoor decorating and entertaining ideas, you’ll definitely want to check out {this post}!

    Do you have visions of how galvanized planters could beautify your outdoor space?

    KJ Signature

    • Pin
    • Share
    • Email

    Categories: outdoor spaces

    ✉️FREE EMAIL SERIES ✉️

    5 Secrets to Reinventing Your Home on a Budget

    Simple tips to instantly transform five rooms in your home!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous says

      May 22, 2012 at 4:47 pm

      Do you drill holes in the bottom of these containers??????

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        March 07, 2014 at 2:29 pm

        Yes! Drill a few holes in the bases of your planters and cover the holes with a piece of landscape fabric or screen mesh to prevent soil loss.

        Reply
    2. Anonymous says

      June 10, 2012 at 1:16 pm

      Thrift store, auctions and garage sales are great place to find these too! I have a couple buckets I want to use as hanging buckets.

      Reply
    3. Anonymous says

      July 22, 2012 at 5:43 pm

      My mother raised plants in old teapots, dishpans, washpans, coffeepots, kettles, both enamel and aluminum, and old coal buckets, as well as galvanized water buckets and tubs. She also used the speckled blue enamel, the spongeware enamel, etc. Back then, there were pot menders, capable of fixing holes up to a certain size, then you had to buy new ones. The old ones with holes too big to mend became planters. The small ones lined up across the wooden bannisters, with larger ones on the porch or in the front yard. I have used old ones similar to her idea, but now, from having purchased some very cheaply at yard sales, I may drill holes in some that are still good enough to use, for use as planters. I hate messing up good ones, but I love the look of what you have done. I also hung dishpans and washpans on porch support posts, and on my barn and outbuildings–left them good to use, though. Thank you for all the great adaptions you have shared. A similar one is using the decorative tin cans as planters. Their designs are seasonal, and vibrant color touches. I also use them to store seeds in.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        July 23, 2012 at 7:35 pm

        What fabulous ideas – your mother sounds like a very creative gardener!

        Reply
    4. Anonymous says

      July 22, 2012 at 5:49 pm

      Another thought occurred to me to share with you. The old Home Interior sconces and pockets, made of a plastic like material, are great to hang on walls or posts. I find them cheaply at yard sales, spray paint them into matching sets, and hang 2 or 3 up and down a post, and fill with tiny live flowers like impatiens and add stonecrop or creeping jenny to cascade down to the next one. I set small pots on the sconces, or tiny baskets that are lined, with a tiny potted plant in them. On the wall pockets, watch carefully , for some have plastic backs and others are a thick chipboard. You could transfer the same idea inside or on a porch wall, by using fake flowers and greenery. They are delicate and pretty, and unexpected touches.

      Reply
      • Barbara Sawyer says

        May 06, 2013 at 8:24 am

        I would love to see the pictures, it sounds delightful and creative. Are the posts on a fence or did you set individual posts in the ground?

        Reply
    5. Anonymous says

      August 27, 2012 at 3:06 pm

      Will the grass come back year after year or do you have to replant ever spring?

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        August 27, 2012 at 11:05 pm

        There are lots of different types of tall ornamental grasses that will come back every year!

        Reply
    6. Carl Patten says

      November 15, 2012 at 10:35 am

      Nice, nice! Using galvanized metals is really smart, if you ask me. Well, you don’t have to replace them as long as you want to have them. Basically, galvanized is made out of zinc oxide, which protects it from oxidation and corrosion.

      Reply
    7. Unknown says

      January 13, 2013 at 10:57 pm

      I have always wanted to plant bamboo, but have heard horror stories of it taking over an entire yard, and crowding out other plants. This would be a nice way to grow it, without taking over.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        January 14, 2013 at 12:44 am

        I’ve heard that too about bamboo and agree that this would be a great way to grow it!

        Reply
      • Anonymous says

        March 19, 2015 at 12:59 pm

        My brother in law planted bamboo in my mil’s yard, omg! If you’re going to plant it in the yard research the correct way! It has overtaken her yard and it’s into the neighbors yard!

        Reply
    8. Anonymous says

      January 19, 2013 at 9:58 pm

      Our home has galium siding, l have been thinking of the sheep troughs for planters. So nice to see pictures of what I would like. The troughs I thought were pricy 100, at the farm place. Do you have any ideas for a better price?

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        January 26, 2013 at 6:06 pm

        The lowest prices that I’ve seen on them are at tractor supply stores!

        Reply
      • Lori says

        April 26, 2017 at 2:33 pm

        Watch farm auction sales

        Reply
    9. Anonymous says

      February 10, 2013 at 10:29 pm

      I would fill the bottom of these planters with empty soda cans or plastic water bottles. This allows for drainage and the use of less dirt/potting soil.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        February 10, 2013 at 10:31 pm

        Great idea – thanks!

        Reply
    10. Anonymous says

      April 06, 2013 at 10:59 am

      What is this tall grass and where can you buy it?

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        April 06, 2013 at 11:47 am

        If you click on the link to Dave’s Garden under the picture – it will give you the info you’re looking for!

        Reply
      • Anonymous says

        April 08, 2013 at 7:17 pm

        Can you paint the galvanized planters?

        Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        April 10, 2013 at 10:18 pm

        Painting galvanized steel can be done but I’ve read that it’s tricky and often doesn’t work well so I’d do some research before going down that road!

        Reply
      • Anonymous says

        March 03, 2014 at 9:19 pm

        I have one that I painted and it has held up for over 7 years so far

        Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        March 05, 2014 at 12:02 am

        Thanks for letting us know! What type of paint did you use?

        Reply
      • Margaret says

        April 30, 2014 at 11:25 pm

        horsetail cane or known as equisetum

        Reply
    11. Christy Our Southern Home says

      May 01, 2013 at 6:26 am

      Gorgeous post! Just shared on FB. New follower!

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        May 17, 2013 at 10:37 pm

        Thanks Christy!

        Reply
    12. Vivienne Gregory says

      May 17, 2013 at 3:49 pm

      Is is possible to make a fire pit with a galvanized bucket? I am about to do this but I don’t know if it will melt or catch fire or what. Do you know?

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        May 17, 2013 at 10:38 pm

        A great question but I don’t know the answer – sorry!

        Reply
    13. Anonymous says

      August 03, 2013 at 8:31 am

      I’ve been using them as planters in my yard for years now. Flowers in the front and veggies in the backyard. I drilled several holes in the bottom then filled with some pea gravel and a piece of landscape fabric tops the gravel so to keep the soil from washing out during a rain storm. Adding compost to your soil helps out too. It’s great for perrenials, they keep coming back year after year with little to maintain.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        August 03, 2013 at 10:17 am

        Thanks for the comment – it’s always helpful to hear what works and what doesn’t!

        Reply
    14. Anonymous says

      August 17, 2013 at 12:01 pm

      I also use galvanized water troughs, buckets & etc. I love the look and get lots of compliments on them. I even went to an irrigation pipe place and got a piece of galvanized culvert pipe, had my husband close off one end and drill holes, set it on it’s end and planted. I really like if with the troughs.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        August 18, 2013 at 9:30 am

        VERY cool idea – thanks for sharing it!

        Reply
    15. Anonymous says

      March 03, 2014 at 2:00 am

      Great idea, photoshopped pics are annoying though

      Reply
    16. Debbie R says

      March 03, 2014 at 9:13 am

      In galvanized containers or any other kinds WITHOUT holes in the bottom, you can grow King Tut, or baby tut, in water! I have one in a black plastic container that I bring inside for the winter. Just keep container full of water, super easy!

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        March 03, 2014 at 9:23 am

        Thanks for the great tip Debbie!

        Reply
    17. Tina Gleisner says

      April 27, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      Wasn’t sure if I liked the idea but your photos are gorgeous & you’ve made a believe out of me … so likely I’ll be sharing this idea (and maybe one of your photos with credit). Nice job

      Reply
    18. Annette T. says

      May 01, 2014 at 7:18 pm

      You can find these also at feed store for horses and such. They will carry them there in all sizes. You can also line the bottom of them in the popcorn used for shipping. Be sure to drill holes first for drainage. And I’ve heard some people use empty soda cans for filling them up before putting the dirt in there. Makes for a lighter container and not having to use so much dirt.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        May 02, 2014 at 4:53 pm

        Great idea Annette!

        Reply
    19. Anonymous says

      May 02, 2014 at 3:44 am

      The tall galvanized “trash” cans at Ace Hardware state that they are for dry use only. They hold a dwarf tree and keep it from monopolizing space and limit the root system from expanding. In warm zones these galvanized units attract and keep the heat.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        May 02, 2014 at 4:54 pm

        I never would have thought of trying a trash can – great idea!

        Reply
    20. Anonymous says

      May 02, 2014 at 7:36 am

      What do you use to drill the holes in the bottoms? I tried but my bit didn’t make a dent.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        May 02, 2014 at 4:56 pm

        I would use a cobalt bit – those can go through most metals pretty well.

        Reply
    21. Anonymous says

      July 11, 2014 at 9:37 am

      I just re-did my patio and I have noticed before with plants once you water them the drainage water stains up the ground. Are you all putting anything underneath them? I have used old plates but I have square planters but I don’t know what I could use. And for the troughs and or pails etc. what are you using to put underneath those containers. Side Note: I thought I would use galvanized trash cans then take the lid and remove the handle and use that underneath to catch the drainage.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Décor says

        July 14, 2014 at 11:58 pm

        Our patio is flagstone so I haven’t put anything underneath my planters since staining doesn’t seem to be an issue with flagstone like it can be with concrete and other surfaces. My concern with putting something under an outdoor galvanized planter would be that it will collect rainwater. A better solution might be to raise your planters off of the ground with something such as bricks so that water drains out easily (rather than getting stuck under the planter which is when stains tend to happen).

        Reply
    22. gragar860 says

      July 25, 2014 at 7:13 pm

      here’s a hint for your hunt, keep an eye on tag sales and the “For Sale” column in the newspapers.. you just might find something to your liking at a price to your liking!!!

      Reply
    23. Betty says

      March 18, 2015 at 6:03 pm

      Check out wal-mart in the hardware section, your local co-op or feed and seed and you’ll find lots of galvanized containers you can get much cheaper than Pottery Barn. I spray paint mine in colors with Rustoleum.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Decor says

        March 18, 2015 at 9:41 pm

        Great tips – thanks!

        Reply
    24. mary osterhout says

      March 18, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      I have found old wash tubs, buckets and cattle troughs at yard sales etc for little money and made planters out of all of them. The man I purchased the 300 gallon cattle trough from was proud when he said it didn’t even have any holes in it. He looked funny when I said that it would have holes when I got through with it. It is now an asparagus bed. I have found that you can turn many different things into planters; you just need to use your imagination. Being an old farm girl, I tend to really like the galvanized metal.

      Reply
      • Kris @ Driven by Decor says

        March 18, 2015 at 9:42 pm

        Such a funny story! I love, love galvanized metal planters too!

        Reply
    25. Janet says

      August 09, 2015 at 2:34 am

      What about the old copper boilers?how do you protect the bottom so it doesn’t rust out.

      Reply
      • Kris Jarrett says

        August 10, 2015 at 9:26 pm

        Honestly I’m not sure how old copper boilers would work as planters Janet. Galvanized ones are the only type of metal planters I’ve used.

        Reply
    26. Paulette says

      January 31, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      Enjoyed reading your post and would like to sign up to see future post.

      Reply
      • Kris Jarrett says

        February 01, 2016 at 9:07 am

        I’m glad that you enjoyed the post and would love to have you following along for future posts! If you haven’t already signed up to get emails of future posts you can do that through this link: https://www.drivenbydecor.com/subscribe-driven-decor Hope you have a great week Paulette!

        Reply
    27. Eva says

      June 10, 2017 at 10:39 am

      I have two huge galvanized tubs, previously used for water for cattle. Moved them to the backyard, now used as planters. The bottom half of the tubs are totally rusted.
      Should I paint them?
      Any ideas?

      Reply
      • Kris Jarrett says

        June 14, 2017 at 12:47 pm

        That’s perfect! I’m not sure what to do with the bottom of the tubs – I would probably just use them as-is!

        Reply
    28. Brian says

      October 08, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      Any tips for a “saucer” to collect water dripping out? I have a small metal bin for indoor plants and just drilling holes obviously won’t work. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kris Jarrett says

        October 13, 2017 at 9:25 pm

        It’s tough when it’s an odd size like a bin! If you’re using it indoors, I’d be tempted to just not create drain holes and instead water lightly, making sure you’re not overwatering. I have some indoor plants in pots that don’t have drainage holes and they do fine!

        Reply
    29. Grant Hayes says

      November 11, 2017 at 7:00 am

      I am wanting to use this idea next spring but I live in Zone 5. With the heat and humidity – how do these types of galvanized planters work? I would use for vegetables, mostly. I know about wrapping the outside with bubblewrap – but is that good enough?
      Thank you.
      Grant

      Reply
    30. Vicki says

      January 16, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      Run to your closest Walmart. They have a large stock of galvanized tin…very similar to posted pictures…a great deal cheaper!

      Reply
    31. Pam says

      December 23, 2018 at 11:36 pm

      Excellent planter advice; thank you!

      Reply
    32. Sherri says

      March 30, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      Price points on galvanized tubs?? Expensive??

      Reply
    33. Pat says

      April 02, 2020 at 4:48 pm

      I live in Wisconsin, could I leave the galvanized metal planters outside during the winter?

      Reply
    34. Kim Aitchison says

      November 19, 2020 at 12:39 am

      Please do not share my email address for spam ! Much appreciated
      Cheers Kim

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    ✉️FREE EMAIL SERIES ✉️

    5 Secrets to Reinventing Your Home on a Budget

    Simple tips to instantly transform five rooms in your home!

    Meet Kris

    Kris of Driven by Decor

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    All images on DBD are copyrighted and taken by me unless otherwise noted. If you'd like to use any of my images, please request their use via my Contact page.

    I am a participant in several affiliate advertising programs (including the Amazon Associates program) and earn fees from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my full disclosure statement {here}.

    To view my privacy policy, go {here}.

    Copyright © 2023 · Driven by Decor