Using galvanized containers in the garden
Don’t we love galvanized containers at Flea Market Gardening? I’d bet that every one of your gardens have at least one of these buckets or tubs. Here’s a little more info on just what this metal is…
Sempervivum arachnoideum Hens and Chicks ‘Cebenese’ in an old bucket
What does ‘galvanized’ mean?
Galvanized metal is simply steel in some form that has received a thin coating of zinc oxide, which simply prevents containers from rusting when exposed to the elements. This makes it perfect as a planter for bright succulents or spring annuals on the patio.
The history of galvanizing goes back to 1742 when a French chemist devised a method of coating iron by dipping it in molten zinc.
Did you know that the Brooklyn Bridge is galvanized? When it was restored one hundred years after it was built, the hot-dip galvanized wire was found to be in excellent shape!
Because of the maintenance-free long life of the hot-dip galvanized coatings on our containers, we can expect to pass these containers on to our children! Ha! IF they want them!
This galvanized strainer pail, found at the Flea Market, is filled with Hens and Chicks ‘Cebenese’, Sempervivum arachnoideum. The little chicks have a spidery web attached to the spines. The muted coral of the blooms contrast well with the blue grey steel.
Galvanized Garden Gallery
Di-Ellen Davenport’s collection of galvanized containers
Tanya from Blondeponders Garden and Duck tales, very effectively uses blue bottles along with her galvanized tub….an idea that I’ve already ‘borrowed!’
A Gardener in Progress
Jeanie Merritt
Annie Steen’s drysink
Jill Ruskamp
What about growing veggies?
What about growing vegetables in galvanized tubs? Is it safe?
Johanna Silver, Sunset test garden coordinator says,
“All of the professors I tapped from UC Davis saw no problem with gardening in galvanized containers. …. Zinc, which is a trace chemical in the soil, poses little risk to the plants, and won’t accumulate to unhealthy levels for humans in the crops.”
So don’t worry if planting veggies; they’re perfectly safe and your galvanized tubs will be long lasting as well!
Osteospermum, Salvia ‘May Night’ and geraniums in a galvanized planter on wheels.
My tub of Sweet Allysum. Galvanized or rust, which do you like better? Both?
Galvanized works anywhere in an FMG garden!
Set by the front door, this galvanized planter, found at a tag sale, is the perfect size and proportion and has the added advantage of having casters, so it can easily rolled away to sweep. Filled with seasonal flowers it brightens the entry! Next time you see galvanized containers of any size at the Flea Market, better gather them up and get galvanized!
Dreama Bender, of the Chicken Coop’s ‘holy grail’ for galvanized lovers,,,a double washtub and stand
Jean Morrow frothy flowers in a double wash tub
Also see my galvanized tubs used as a vegetable garden and an onion farm! For ALL our galvanized garden ideas, go directly to our Get Galvanized photo album on our Flea Market Gardening Facebook page. ~~ Sue
12 Comments
Oh, I use this everywhere!! I just love the gray against the coloured flowers. I also buy a lot of zink pots. They are not so heavy to lift, and handles the frost in a good way.
I have several pieces of galvanized in my garden! I Love it!
Love galvanized! I have a square wash tub sitting on its side with a plant sitting inside. The tub has its ‘back’ to the sun hitting the deck. We live in Florida so it’s a great way to keep direct sun off plants when you need to.
Also a galvanized lover! Big tubs, watering cans & old buckets! Love ’em! My fav is my tipsy buckets w/watering can on top….but I also have a wash tub growing ‘Live Forever’ & some dianthsus…would like the Live Forever to take it over! Fun in the garden!
I can’t get enough galvanized, so I’m happy to hear that it is quite safe for planting in.
I have a couple of old galvanized calf feeders that I use to plant flowers in. Someone handpainted little flowers on them years ago. Love them!
I just found an old mop bucket now I know how and what to plant in it I have an old leaky bird bath any ideas?
Make a planter out of the leaky birdbath…trailing plants look great in them!?
I love galvanized watering cans….my husband says I have to many of them. I have a question…When planting flowers in them, do you fill the can with dirt or TRY and find a container to fit perfectly in the opening? I also have a big tub and would love to do something with it, but wasn’t sure about what…once again I wasn’t sure if I should fill it completely with soil or not. NOW I have wonderful pictures and ideas as to what to do with that tub! LOVE WATERING CANS!! Thank you in advance for any replies!
Sheila
Have same question. See beautiful pictures, but not sure of weight. Also have slightly slope to back yard. Mine is rusted inside bottom, but outside bottom is not – care or treatment?
I have quite a few pieces of galvanized pieces Tub with Harangers , Aloe in bucket,
I have a large galvanized wash tub. I have been hesitant to use it as it has no holes for drainage, and I was having some hesitation about putting a hole in a perfectly good tub. If I decide to do so what have you found is the best way to put holes in the galvanized tub? Thank you for a reply. Cynthia