How To Use Galvanized Tub Planters In Your Landscape

Do you love Vintage Galvanized Tubs or Metal Tin Buckets? I have several that I’ve collected and used to create galvanized tub planters in my landscape and garden. Here are some helpful ideas for adding them to your landscape.

It all began with a walk in the woods.

I was out for a walk and spotted something half-buried in the leaves.

Upon further inspection, it was a perfectly crusty galvanized tub with the bottom rusted out. Something about the way old metal tin buckets age appeals to me.

To my husband’s dismay, I pulled it out and brought it home. I love decorating with old buckets and knew I’d find a use for it.

Lifestyle of Love Hop

Today’s Galvanized Bucket Decorating Ideas are part of Cindy at County Road 407’s Lifestyle of Love Hop. Cindy asked us to share ideas for using galvanized buckets. Since my landscape was already filled with many galvanized goodies, I couldn’t wait to join the hop. If you are joining me from Cindy’s, 5 Vintage Galvanized Containers for Flowers, I know you loved all of her great ideas. I’m so glad you stopped by today.

Be sure to check out all the other ideas for using Galvanized Decor at the end of this post.

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How Can You Use A Rusted-Out Galvanized Tub as a Planter?

First, I love old galvanized tubs; the older, the better. This first one was exquisite.

The blue patina was perfect. No bottom, no problem!

We had previously installed our “doorbell” on a wooden post, and this rusted-out tub fit right over the bell and formed a planter at the base of the post.

I add different flowers or greenery to the tub each season, and this is an early spring view.

The rusty metal looks great next to the copper lights we installed from AQ Lighting.

Elevate Your Plants

Another way to use a galvanized tub in your landscape is to add another container inside the tub.

If your metal bucket is tall, you can add something to elevate the container to the top of the tub. I added an old flower pot upside down inside the larger galvanized tub for this container.

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Bury Galvanized Tub Planters

One thing led to another, and I began searching old trash piles for buried treasures. I also began adding old rusty tin buckets and other galvanized discards to my landscape.

Here, you can see a trio of old tubs that I’ve partially buried in the landscape. One is an old enamelware bowl with a bit of white hanging on the sides.

To create galvanized tub planters, partially bury them, fill them with soil, and plant your flowers.

In addition, you don’t need a bottom in your rusted tubs to make a planter when adding to your landscape. This rescued container was only a rim when I found it in a trash pile.

The partially buried tub is filled with yellow lantana that compliments the blue color.

After the success of my original galvanized finds, I began to search for damaged containers, and now, there are several around the property. I saw a couple of abandoned tubs at the edge of a neighboring property and asked if I could have them. With a couple of odd looks, I was given the tubs with rusted-out bottoms.

One of the galvanized tub planters was added to the natural area leading to the pool. It is filled with red geraniums.

They add the touch of country and rustic charm that I love about farmhouse style.

Where Else Can You Add Galvanized Tub Planters?

In addition to my landscape, I’ve also added a couple of old galvanized tub planters to my front porch.

I rotate several different planters on the porch. However, when I added my geraniums for Spring, I pulled the real tubs back out.

They add a charming and casual feel, which I love for the Spring and Summer months.

Geraniums are my “go-to” flowers for the porch in summer.

They bloom from Spring to Fall and can take the heat. For more porch tips, you can see 5 ways to keep a porch fresh all summer.

The Boutique Rug works with any color that I add to my porch. It comes in several color choices.

You can Shop My Front Porch here.

All of my tubs and metal buckets are rescued and unwanted. My mother discarded the tub with a touch of red paint.

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When thrifting, I’m always looking for more galvanized pieces to add to my collection. I’ve collected several pieces that fill my landscape, porch, greenhouse, and outdoor kitchen.

This chippy bucket has a lid which makes it perfect as a side table on the front porch.

Thanks so much for joining me today! Next up is… Debra from Common Ground sharing Vintage Watering Cans for Patriotic.

You can link to each post by clicking on the individual images below.