Galvanized Metal Containers For Planters

What's In Your Stash?

Here's a guide on using Galvanized Metal Containers as Planters:

Types of Galvanized Containers to Look For

The world of vintage galvanized metal offers endless planting possibilities:

Large Containers:

- Wash tubs and laundry tubs (round or oval)

- Stock tanks and water troughs

- Feed troughs and grain bins

- Milk cans (tall and cylindrical)

- Mop buckets and utility pails

- Old bathtubs (galvanized or zinc-coated)

Medium Containers:

- Galvanized buckets in various sizes

- Sap buckets (maple syrup collection buckets)

- Coal scuttles and ash buckets

- Chicken feeders and waterers

- Vintage minnow buckets

- Old tool caddies and carriers

Small Containers:

- Drinking cups and dippers

- Small pails and berry buckets

- Funnels (hung upside down or mounted)

- Measuring scoops

- Lunch pails

- Sprinkling cans and watering pots

Specialty Items:

- Wheelbarrows

- Wagon beds

- Milk bottle carriers

- Wire egg baskets with metal bottoms

- Old mailboxes

- Vintage coolers

Where to Find Galvanized Treasures

Best Sources:

- Farm auctions and estate sales (especially rural areas)

- Flea markets and antique shops

- Architectural salvage yards

- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay

- Barn sales and farm cleanouts

- Thrift stores and secondhand shops

- Family farms (ask older relatives or neighbors)

- Antique malls and co-ops

What to Look For:

- Authentic rust and patina (adds character)

- Dents and dings (perfect for primitive style)

- Original labels or stamps (dairy names, manufacturer marks)

- Varied sizes for creating grouped displays

- Intact bottoms (or plan to line them)

Price Range:

Expect to pay anywhere from $5-10 for small buckets to $50-200+ for large wash tubs or milk cans, depending on condition, rarity, and location. Don't overpay—part of the fun is the hunt!

Preparing Galvanized Containers for Planting

Drainage is Essential:

Galvanized metal doesn't naturally have drainage holes, so you must create them: vintage pieces tend to be really thick, so generally you'll be using the first and third methods here.

- Drill Method:

Use a metal drill bit (1/4" to 1/2") and drill 4-8 holes in the bottom, depending on container size. Wear safety glasses and secure the container.

- Punch Method:

Use a hammer and large nail or awl to punch holes (works for thinner metal. Put a piece of wood inside, and turn the piece upside down to give you something to punch against.

- No-Drill Option:

Use containers as cachepots—place planted nursery pots inside and remove to water, allowing excess to drain before returning the plant. Using a saucer under the pot can help prevent damage in the form of more rust forming.

Dealing with Rust:

The patina is part of the charm, but manage it appropriately:

- Light Surface Rust:

 Leave it! This is desirable for primitive decor

- Heavy Flaking Rust:

Wire brush loose pieces, then seal with clear matte spray if desired

- Rust Prevention:

Some gardeners apply a food-safe sealant to the interior, though this isn't necessary

- Embrace the Aging:

Remember that galvanized metal will continue to develop character over time.

Lining Options:

Consider lining containers to extend their life and protect plants:

- Landscape Fabric:

Line the bottom and sides, cut slits for drainage

- Coconut Coir Liner:

 Natural and attractive if visible, so no need for perfection here

- Plastic Sheeting:

Use for containers with holes or thin spots, make sure there are drainage holes

- Burlap:

 Adds rustic texture, though it will decompose over time

- No Liner:

Many gardeners plant directly without lining—galvanized metal is generally safe for plants

Soil and Planting Tips

Soil Mix:

Use quality potting mix, not garden soil:

- Container potting mix with good drainage

- Add perlite or vermiculite for extra drainage in large containers

- Mix in compost for nutrients

- Consider moisture-control potting mix for containers that dry quickly

Planting Technique:

- Add 1-2 inches of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom for drainage

- Fill with potting mix, leaving 2-3 inches from the rim

- Arrange plants while still in nursery pots to plan layout

- Remove plant from pot, take off a portion of root ball from bottom to prevent spiraling

- Plant, firm soil gently, and water thoroughly

- Top with decorative mulch if desired (pea gravel, bark, or moss)

Container Size Considerations:

- Small containers (under 1 gallon):

 Single plants or herbs or small succulents like Sedum album.

- Medium containers (1-5 gallons):

Small groupings or larger single plants for a major impact, like a topiary or specimen plant.

- Large containers (5+ gallons):

Multiple plants, small shrubs, or vegetable garden.

Best Plants for Galvanized Containers

Flowers

Sun-Loving:

- Geraniums (classic country garden choice)

- Petunias and calibrachoa

- Zinnias and marigolds

- Lantana

- Verbena

- Portulaca (moss rose)

Shade-Tolerant:

- Impatiens and begonias

- Coleus (for foliage color)

- Fuchsia

- Ferns

- Hostas (in larger containers)

Trailing Plants for Edges:

- Sweet potato vine

- Trailing petunias

- Ivy and vinca vine

- Bacopa

- Lobelia

Herbs:

Perfect for galvanized buckets near the kitchen:

- Basil (multiple varieties)

- Rosemary

- Thyme and oregano

- Parsley and cilantro

- Sage

- Chives

- Mint (contained growth is actually beneficial)

- Lavender

Vegetables:

Galvanized tubs make excellent vegetable planters:

Large Containers:

- Tomatoes (determinate varieties or with support)

- Peppers

- Eggplant

- Cucumbers (with trellis)

- Squash and zucchini

Medium Containers:

- Lettuce and salad greens

- Kale and chard

- Bush beans

- Radishes

- Carrots (in deep containers)

Small Containers:

- Cherry tomatoes

- Herbs

- Green onions

- Spinach

Succulents and Drought-Tolerant Plants:

Excellent for low-maintenance displays:

- Sedums and sempervivums (hens and chicks)

- Echeveria

- Portulaca

- Ornamental grasses

- Lavender

Seasonal Bulbs:

- Spring: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses

- Summer: Dahlias, gladiolus, lilies

- Fall: Plant spring bulbs for next year

Design and Arrangement Ideas

Single Statement Piece:

One large wash tub or stock tank as a focal point:

- Fill with a lush mixed planting

- Place at a garden entrance or patio corner

- Use as a water garden with aquatic plants

- Create a miniature vegetable garden

Grouped Collection:

Arrange multiple containers of varying sizes:

Clustered Grouping:

- Use odd numbers (3, 5, or 7 containers)

- Vary heights with overturned crates or stands

- Mix sizes but keep a cohesive style

- Group near doorways, on porches, or in garden corners

Linear Arrangement:

- Line containers along a fence, walkway, or deck railing

- Use similar-sized containers for uniformity

- Plant with coordinating colors or themes

- Space evenly or cluster in groups

Tiered Display:

- Stack containers on old wooden crates or ladder shelves

- Create height variation for visual interest

- Ensure stability with larger containers at bottom

- Mix planted containers with empty decorative ones

Themed Collections:

Herb Garden:

- Group various galvanized buckets with different herbs

- Add primitive wooden plant markers

- Include vintage kitchen tools in the display

- Place near kitchen door for easy access

Cottage Garden:

- Mix flowers in romantic, overflowing arrangements

- Use weathered containers with heavy patina

- Add trailing plants for softness

- Incorporate watering cans and garden tools

Farmhouse Vegetable Garden:

- Plant edibles in large wash tubs

- Label with chalkboard signs

- Add vintage vegetable crates nearby

- Include tomato cages or trellises

Succulent Garden:

- Fill shallow containers with succulent arrangements

- Add decorative rocks or pebbles - a great way to display your shell or pebble collection, or even sea glass

- Group multiple small containers

- Perfect for hot, sunny locations

Vertical Displays:

Mounted Wall Planters:

- Attach small buckets to fence or wall with brackets

- Stagger heights for visual interest

- Plant with trailing or cascading plants

- Great for small spaces or vertical gardens

Hanging Planters:

- Use buckets with handles hung from decorative hooks

- Hang from pergolas, arbors, or porch ceilings

- Ensure secure attachment for weight

- Plant with trailing varieties

Ladder Display:

- Lean old wooden ladder against wall

- Set containers on rungs

- Mix planted and decorative containers

- Add primitive accessories

Repurposed Creative Uses:

Milk Can Planters:

- Plant tall flowers or grasses in full-size milk cans

- Use as porch sentinels flanking doorways

- Add house numbers painted on the side

- Group in odd numbers for impact

Trough Gardens:

- Create long, linear plantings in feed troughs

- Perfect for deck railings or fence tops

- Plant with uniform flowers or mixed arrangements

- Use for herb gardens or salad greens

Tiered Fountain Conversion:

- Stack graduated sizes with planted arrangements

- No water needed—just the visual effect

- Secure tiers with hidden supports

- Plant with cascading flowers

Beverage Station Conversion:

- Use large tubs as ice buckets for outdoor entertaining

- When not entertaining, fill with plants

- Dual-purpose functionality

- Perfect for patios and decks

Styling for Primitive Country Charm

Complementary Elements:

Enhance your galvanized planters with these additions:

Natural Materials:

- Weathered wood crates and boxes

- Barn wood backdrops

- Stone or brick bases

- Burlap and jute twine accents

Additional Galvanized Items:

- Watering cans (functional or decorative)

- Old lanterns

- Vintage signs

- Metal stars or horseshoes cut out of galvanized roofing

Primitive Accessories:

- Antique garden tools leaning nearby

- Straw hats or work gloves draped casually

- Wooden plant markers or signs

- Terra cotta pots mixed in

Vintage Touches:

- Old seed packets displayed

- Vintage garden catalogs

- Enamelware pieces

- Mason jars with cut flowers

Color Schemes:

Classic Primitive:

- Red geraniums with white alyssum

- Deep burgundy and rust tones

- Navy blue and cream

- Natural greens with white flowers

Cottage Garden:

- Soft pinks, lavenders, and whites

- Pastel color mixes

- Romantic, flowing combinations

- Lots of texture and variety

Modern Farmhouse:

- White and green only

- Monochromatic plantings

- Clean, simple arrangements

- Structured, less "wild" look

Rustic Harvest:

- Oranges, golds, and deep reds

- Autumn-toned flowers

- Ornamental peppers and kale

- Seasonal decorative elements

Placement Strategies

Porch and Entryway:

- Flank doorways with matching large containers

- Create welcoming displays on steps

- Hang small buckets from porch posts

- Group containers in corners

Garden Beds:

- Nestle containers among plantings

- Use as focal points in flower beds

- Create height variation

- Anchor corner plantings

Patio and Deck:

- Define seating areas with container groupings

- Line deck railings with trough planters

- Create privacy screens with tall plantings

- Add herb gardens near grilling areas

Pathways:

- Line walkways with evenly spaced containers

- Mark path entrances with larger statement pieces

- Create rhythm with repeated plantings

- Guide visitors through garden spaces

Unexpected Locations:

- Mount on fence posts

- Place in tree branches (small, secure containers)

- Float in ponds or water features

- Tuck into garden nooks and crannies

Seasonal Transitions

Spring:

- Bright bulbs and cool-season annuals

- Fresh greens and herbs

- Pastel color schemes

- Light, airy arrangements

Summer:

- Heat-tolerant flowers and vegetables

- Lush, full plantings

- Bold, vibrant colors

- Maximum growth and abundance

Fall:

- Mums, ornamental kale, and cabbage

- Pumpkins and gourds added to arrangements

- Warm autumn colors

- Harvest-themed displays

Winter:

- Evergreen branches and berries

- Birch logs and pinecones

- Dried arrangements

- Holiday lights and decorations

- Empty containers as sculptural elements

Maintenance and Care

Watering:

Galvanized containers dry out faster than ground plantings:

- Check moisture daily in hot weather

- Water thoroughly until it drains from bottom

- Morning watering is best

- Consider self-watering inserts for large containers

- Group containers with similar water needs

Fertilizing:

Container plants need regular feeding:

- Use slow-release fertilizer mixed into soil at planting

- Supplement with liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks

- Follow package directions for container plants

- Reduce feeding in fall as plants slow growth

Deadheading and Pruning:

Keep plants looking their best:

- Remove spent flowers regularly

- Trim leggy growth to encourage bushiness

- Remove yellowing leaves

- Refresh tired plants mid-season with new ones

Pest and Disease Management:

Monitor container plants regularly:

- Inspect for aphids, spider mites, and other pests

- Ensure good air circulation

- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

- Remove affected leaves promptly

- Use organic pest control methods when needed

Winter Protection:

In cold climates:

- Empty containers and store indoors, or

- Leave planted with evergreens and winter interest

- Elevate containers on pot feet for drainage

- Move valuable pieces to protected locations

- Metal can crack if water freezes inside—ensure drainage

Creative Advanced Projects

Galvanized Container Water Garden:

- Use large wash tub or stock tank

- Add aquatic plants (water lilies, lotus, water lettuce)

- Include small fountain pump for movement

- Add goldfish for mosquito control

- Create a peaceful water feature

Tiered Herb Garden:

- Stack graduated sizes of galvanized tubs

- Secure with hidden supports or rebar

- Plant different herbs in each tier

- Easy access and great drainage

- Space-saving vertical garden

Mobile Container Garden:

- Attach casters to bottom of large tub

- Create movable garden for sun-chasing

- Easy to rearrange for entertaining

- Bring tender plants indoors for winter

Galvanized Raised Bed:

- Use large stock tanks as raised bed gardens

- Add foam or other material in the bottom, takes less soil

- Excellent drainage and soil control

- Warmer soil for earlier planting

- Accessible height for easy gardening

- Modern farmhouse aesthetic

Budget-Friendly Tips

Save Money:

- Shop off-season at antique stores

- Look for damaged pieces (holes add drainage!)

- Check free sections of online marketplaces

- Ask farmers and rural neighbors

- Buy in bulk at farm auctions

- Start small and build your collection over time

DIY Alternatives:

- New galvanized buckets from hardware stores ($5-15)

- Spray paint plastic containers with metallic paint

- Use galvanized trash cans (new or vintage)

- Repurpose household galvanized items

Maximize Your Investment:

- Choose versatile sizes that work for multiple uses

- Buy quality pieces that will last for years

- Refresh plantings seasonally in same containers

- Use as both planters and decorative storage

Safety Considerations

Galvanized Metal and Plants:

- Modern galvanized coating is generally safe for plants

- Some concern about zinc