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!
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!
For more simple outdoor decorating and entertaining ideas, you’ll definitely want to check out {this post}!
Love the look of galvanized planters? Shop my favorite planters here (scroll with left and right arrows):
Do you have visions of how galvanized planters could beautify your outdoor space?
Anonymous says
May 22, 2012 at 4:47 pmDo you drill holes in the bottom of these containers??????
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
March 7, 2014 at 2:29 pmYes! 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.
Anonymous says
June 10, 2012 at 1:16 pmThrift store, auctions and garage sales are great place to find these too! I have a couple buckets I want to use as hanging buckets.
Anonymous says
July 22, 2012 at 5:43 pmMy 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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
July 23, 2012 at 7:35 pmWhat fabulous ideas – your mother sounds like a very creative gardener!
Anonymous says
July 22, 2012 at 5:49 pmAnother 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.
Barbara Sawyer says
May 6, 2013 at 8:24 amI 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?
Anonymous says
August 27, 2012 at 3:06 pmWill the grass come back year after year or do you have to replant ever spring?
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
August 27, 2012 at 11:05 pmThere are lots of different types of tall ornamental grasses that will come back every year!
Carl Patten says
November 15, 2012 at 10:35 amNice, 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.
Unknown says
January 13, 2013 at 10:57 pmI 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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
January 14, 2013 at 12:44 amI’ve heard that too about bamboo and agree that this would be a great way to grow it!
Anonymous says
March 19, 2015 at 12:59 pmMy 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!
Anonymous says
January 19, 2013 at 9:58 pmOur 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?
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
January 26, 2013 at 6:06 pmThe lowest prices that I’ve seen on them are at tractor supply stores!
Lori says
April 26, 2017 at 2:33 pmWatch farm auction sales
Anonymous says
February 10, 2013 at 10:29 pmI 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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
February 10, 2013 at 10:31 pmGreat idea – thanks!
Anonymous says
April 6, 2013 at 10:59 amWhat is this tall grass and where can you buy it?
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
April 6, 2013 at 11:47 amIf you click on the link to Dave’s Garden under the picture – it will give you the info you’re looking for!
Anonymous says
April 8, 2013 at 7:17 pmCan you paint the galvanized planters?
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
April 10, 2013 at 10:18 pmPainting 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!
Anonymous says
March 3, 2014 at 9:19 pmI have one that I painted and it has held up for over 7 years so far
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
March 5, 2014 at 12:02 amThanks for letting us know! What type of paint did you use?
Margaret says
April 30, 2014 at 11:25 pmhorsetail cane or known as equisetum
Christy Our Southern Home says
May 1, 2013 at 6:26 amGorgeous post! Just shared on FB. New follower!
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
May 17, 2013 at 10:37 pmThanks Christy!
Vivienne Gregory says
May 17, 2013 at 3:49 pmIs 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?
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
May 17, 2013 at 10:38 pmA great question but I don’t know the answer – sorry!
Anonymous says
August 3, 2013 at 8:31 amI’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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
August 3, 2013 at 10:17 amThanks for the comment – it’s always helpful to hear what works and what doesn’t!
Anonymous says
August 17, 2013 at 12:01 pmI 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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
August 18, 2013 at 9:30 amVERY cool idea – thanks for sharing it!
Anonymous says
March 3, 2014 at 2:00 amGreat idea, photoshopped pics are annoying though
Debbie R says
March 3, 2014 at 9:13 amIn 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!
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
March 3, 2014 at 9:23 amThanks for the great tip Debbie!
Tina Gleisner says
April 27, 2014 at 12:28 pmWasn’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
Annette T. says
May 1, 2014 at 7:18 pmYou 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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
May 2, 2014 at 4:53 pmGreat idea Annette!
Anonymous says
May 2, 2014 at 3:44 amThe 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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
May 2, 2014 at 4:54 pmI never would have thought of trying a trash can – great idea!
Anonymous says
May 2, 2014 at 7:36 amWhat do you use to drill the holes in the bottoms? I tried but my bit didn’t make a dent.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
May 2, 2014 at 4:56 pmI would use a cobalt bit – those can go through most metals pretty well.
Anonymous says
July 11, 2014 at 9:37 amI 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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
July 14, 2014 at 11:58 pmOur 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).
gragar860 says
July 25, 2014 at 7:13 pmhere’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!!!
Betty says
March 18, 2015 at 6:03 pmCheck 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.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
March 18, 2015 at 9:41 pmGreat tips – thanks!
mary osterhout says
March 18, 2015 at 7:15 pmI 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.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
March 18, 2015 at 9:42 pmSuch a funny story! I love, love galvanized metal planters too!
Janet says
August 9, 2015 at 2:34 amWhat about the old copper boilers?how do you protect the bottom so it doesn’t rust out.
Kris Jarrett says
August 10, 2015 at 9:26 pmHonestly 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.
Paulette says
January 31, 2016 at 3:17 pmEnjoyed reading your post and would like to sign up to see future post.
Kris Jarrett says
February 1, 2016 at 9:07 amI’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!
Eva says
June 10, 2017 at 10:39 amI 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?
Kris Jarrett says
June 14, 2017 at 12:47 pmThat’s perfect! I’m not sure what to do with the bottom of the tubs – I would probably just use them as-is!
Brian says
October 8, 2017 at 6:45 pmAny 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!
Kris Jarrett says
October 13, 2017 at 9:25 pmIt’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!
Grant Hayes says
November 11, 2017 at 7:00 amI 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
Vicki says
January 16, 2018 at 3:18 pmRun to your closest Walmart. They have a large stock of galvanized tin…very similar to posted pictures…a great deal cheaper!
Pam says
December 23, 2018 at 11:36 pmExcellent planter advice; thank you!
Sherri says
March 30, 2019 at 3:16 pmPrice points on galvanized tubs?? Expensive??