I’d love to find some new planters to add greenery and life to our outdoor space. After looking at planter options, I’ve fallen in love with the idea of using galvanized metal tubs, buckets, and pails as planters. Today I’m sharing some inspiring galvanized tub planter ideas so you can see how much beauty they can add to a space too! (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here}):
I especially love the look when a mix of different plants are used, like these beauties:
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. They can also be used for small gardens (my post on inexpensive raised garden bed ideas has several other ideas for small gardens too!)
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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 entertaining ideas, you’ll definitely want to check out my post on outdoor decorating ideas!
Do you have visions of how galvanized planters could beautify your outdoor space?
Brian says
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!
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Eva says
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?
Kris Jarrett says
That’s perfect! I’m not sure what to do with the bottom of the tubs – I would probably just use them as-is!
Paulette says
Enjoyed reading your post and would like to sign up to see future post.
Kris Jarrett says
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!
Janet says
What about the old copper boilers?how do you protect the bottom so it doesn’t rust out.
Kris Jarrett says
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.
mary osterhout says
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.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Such a funny story! I love, love galvanized metal planters too!
Betty says
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.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
Great tips – thanks!
gragar860 says
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!!!
Anonymous says
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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
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).
Anonymous says
What 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
I would use a cobalt bit – those can go through most metals pretty well.
Anonymous says
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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
I never would have thought of trying a trash can – great idea!
Annette T. says
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.
Kris @ Driven by Décor says
Great idea Annette!
Tina Gleisner says
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