13 Galvanized Metal Planters Ideas
If you are looking for something attractive, unusual, and practical for your garden, galvanized metal planters might be the answer! The following ideas focus on the functionality of these planters and their attractive appearance.
You can make these metal planters and use them for years. Also, if you decide to make metal planters yourself or repurpose other items, you’ve got plenty of options for customization!
Another advantage of growing plants in galvanized metal planters is that they can last for decades and only require minimal maintenance. In most cases, they are spacious, and they can accommodate a lot of plants!
Today, I will inspire you to create a unique garden setting with metal planters. I will also offer tips and advice on how to grow plants in these containers for the best results!
1. Rolling Galvanized Planter
Rolling containers are great if you want to ensure your plants get the optimal light exposure or protection against harsh sunlight.
Also, most thrift shops carry vintage tubs you can use for the project for great prices and in different sizes. In addition, galvanized, your planter will bring an industrial vibe to any outdoor space.
The beauty of transforming an old tub into a galvanized metal planter with casters is in its versatility and simplicity. You can use a planter like this for a single specimen, mixed container plant, tools, toys, etc. After thorough clean-up, a container like this can serve as an ice bucket which will amaze everyone at the next social gathering!
You’ll need a tub, wooden caster wheels, nuts, bolts and split lock washers, a drill, and a pen for marking.
2. Hanging Planter
DIY projects are great for transforming ordinary home items into special ones. The next idea for hanging galvanized planters proves my point!
Even if you don’t have a galvanized bucket, you can recreate the effect and make a stunning hanging planter with a galvanized effect. A plain, plastic bucket will work just fine. Combine it with metallic copper spray paint you can find in well-supplied hardware stores. You can use standard metal spray paint instead, but don’t forget to use paint primer.
With a hand drill, make holes in the bottom for drainage. I recommend making holes before you paint the bucket. It will make the process much simpler.
To make a hanging planter out of it, you also need to drill holes on the sides of the bucket. Use a heavy and thick rope so make larger ropes that can accommodate it. Tie knots, so the rope stays in place.
Once you are done, fill the planter with potting soil and your flowers. Trailing greens look especially charming in hanging containers, but you can use whatever plants you have on hand.
3. Compact Galvanized Planters Plus Stand
With the arrival of the spring, your garden may burst into colors, and a lot of plants will require repotting and dividing for the new season. So, it is the right moment to make several lovely galvanized metal planters and an accompanying stand for them!
You use store-bought metal planters or make them from old buckets. Spray paint can help you achieve the look you want despite the current color of the buckets. Before you plant your flowers, ensure the buckets have adequate drainage.
For this specific project, I recommend using hammered nickel paint. It will give your planter a charming silvery hue. It is an easy, budget-friendly way to decorate your garden.
You can also make a stand from them from an old ladder and set the ladder back on the tree. Panties or inpatients will look stunning in a set of compact planters with a stand.
4. A Set of Raised Metal Planters
Here is an excellent project for weekend warriors – a set of raised metal planters. You can make a set of planters like this in several ways, but I recommend making them in phases.
First, measure and sketch the construction based on the available space you have in your garden. Then, use galvanized or stainless steel screws to joint multiple roofing pieces at the seam. Follow your sketch for easier orientation.
With these directions, you can make large-diameter raised beds and have the base of your entire garden.
You can even grow a tree in a planter like this! If you want the construction to blend in with the surrounding space, you can experiment with different styles of metal roofing and shades of brown.
Planters like this aren’t readily available in stores like Home Depot, and most gardeners prefer making them. It allows them to use the space maximally.
5. Repurpose Old Items
Giving old things a new life is such a great way to end up with unique items. Almost everything can be repurposed, including the old mop bucket. The older, the better if you enjoy the vintage look of your planters.
Transform an old mop bucket into a planter with a few simple changes. First, clean the mop thoroughly and ensure there aren’t any cuts in the metal which can bruise you.
Drill the drainage holes on the bottom and pick your plants for your vintage metal container. If you can get your hands on several buckets, use them to make a stunning metal planter display.
Put them on the stairs or spread them around your patio.
Additionally, you can repaint the buckets to disguise any rust marks or leave them as they are.
6. Vintage Planter With a Fountain
While we are on the subject of vintage, I want to inspire you to recreate the retro container with a fountain! Plant flowers in it, to get beautiful plant arrangements.
The stars of the projects are an old vintage fountain and galvanized washtub. Both items you can find at great prices at a local flea market. The additional supplies you’ll need to make it work are a water pump, a bucket, wire, and screen material to cover the bucket. Drill, scissors, and utility knife are handy for the project.
Drill the holes in the washtub for drainage, and assemble the water fountain. Next, put the tubing in the bucket and add another hole for the water pump cord.
Add the screen on top of the bucket and put it inside the washtub. All that is left is to fill the washtub with potting soil, fasten the tubing and add the fountain. Don’t forget to choose your plants wisely and stay close to the power source because of the pump!
7. Unusual Planter
Metal containers don’t have to be a geometrical shape. If you have a large piece of roofing material, you can build whatever shape of a container you prefer.
Also, if you don’t like precise cuts, a planter like this will be the perfect choice for you and your skill level. Additionally, you can make it fit any outdoor space, and it will last longer than most wooden containers.
Get at least two sheets of corrugated metal and connect them with self-tapping galvanized steel screws. Then, assemble the construction to match the shape you want, and start by adding your soil. If you’ve built a large diameter raised bed construction, you’ll need a lot of potting soil.
Don’t forget to add a drainage pipe on the top of the sheet to disguise the sharp edges.
8. Old Sewing Machine Planter
Flea markets and thrift shops have a lot of hidden gems you can use for fantastic DIY projects. Next time you come across an old sewing machine, think about how you can use it for your plants.
Here is an idea to try – make a metal planter out of it!
Remove the top part of the machine and save the sturdy base with ornamental legs. Then, you’ll need an old bucket, a galvanized washtub, or anything similar which can hold plants.
Assemble secure everything together with a drill and screws and fill the bucket with potting soil. Find a nice corner for your vintage sewing machine planter and use it as a mixed container garden.
9. Full-Size Metal Garden
Build a complete garden with connected galvanized metal planters and wooden moldings. A well-built garden like this can last for your years with minimal maintenance.
Also, don’t worry, the metal containers aren’t too hot for your plants, as long as you choose the correct location in your garden.
Supplies you’ll need for the project are corrugated metal sheets, metal flashing, and wood trimmings. Also, prepare deck screws, and a tape measure.
Use wooden trimmings as a bottom base for the corrugated metal sides and add them to the top of the sheets. It will make the planters more attractive. At the same time, wood prevents the sharp metal edges from cutting you.
Complete guide for making geometrical metal raised gardens.
10. Culvert Planters DIY
Round metal container? Yes, please! You can make attractive round metal containers from culverts and a garden hose! Use a razor knife, and a drill to make the necessary cuts and holes in your new container.
You’ll need one thin metal wire roll. It should be enough for several 48-inch wide culvert planters.
You’ll also need a piece of garden hose to connect the culvert and hide the sharp edges.
First, you’ll need to measure and mark the culvert. You can easily cut it with a circular saw or plasma cutter. At this point, you can paint the culvert. But ensure you’re using paint that sticks to galvanized metal and a primer for durability.
Put a water hose on top and thread a metal wire around your containers.
You can fill the planter in half with gravel and the rest with soil.
This is how you cut sheets of galvanized metal.
11. Repurpose Old Stock Tank
If you live on a farm or you know someone who does, get an old stock tank. It can work beautifully as a spacious container for your plants.
Clean it well before you start and ensure adequate drainage. You can use a hand drill to add several drainage holes on the bottom or use a nail and hammer for that.
I recommend finding a suitable place for your planter before you fill it with soil and plants because it will become too heavy. If you want to save soil and improve the drainage, fill the bottom with frugal material. You can use river rocks.
Then, add soil and let it settle. Pick your plants and make your vivid mixed container with fern, trailing plants, and flowers!
What you need to know about planting in galvanized containers.
12. One Man’s Trash…
You’ve probably heard the old one man’s trash saying, but did you know we can make a container from an old trash can? The most challenging part of the project is deep-cleaning the trash can, but if you’ve used garbage bags regularly, your trash can shouldn’t be very dirty.
Transform the trash can into a vintage planter with a few simple steps. Drainage holes are a must, and you can proceed with filling the bottom with rocks. Add soil, and pick your plants!
If you want to decorate the trash can, use paint to decorate handles and rims.
13. Frugal Metal Planter
Old galvanized metal trough works perfectly as a compact planter! It is a great choice for small succulents and you can use it to plant several slow-growing succulents. They will take their time to grow, and you won’t need to repot them any time soon.
A good thing about vintage metal throughs is that they are free-standing, and you can display them on any flat surface. You don’t have to think about the stand.
If you don’t have a metal trough, don’t worry. You can find one at a thrift shop! Don’t forget to add holes for drainage. Take good care of your plants, as if they were planted in standard pots.
Think Beyond Ordinary Containers
This spring is the perfect time to give your garden and plants a makeover! I am talking about planting new species and experimenting with different containers! How do you feel about metal containers? It was about time you tried them!
I love the simplicity of trash can/galvanized metal planter, but I might try something else.
I hope you found the ideas useful!
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