Do you love Galvanized Tubs or Buckets? Here’s how I use Galvanized Tub Planters in my landscape and helpful ideas to add 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.
To my husbands dismay, I pulled it out and brought it home.

Lifestyle of Love Hop
Today’s Galvanized 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 some many galvanized goodies, I couldn’t wait to join the hop. If you are joining me 5 Vintage Galvanized Containers for Flowers, I know you loved all Cindy’s great ideas. I’m so glad you stopped by today.
Be sure to check out all the other ideas for using Galvanized Items 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 and the older the better.
This first one was exquisite.
The blue patina was perfect.
No bottom, no problem!
We had previously installed our “door bell” on a wooden post and this rusted out tub fit right over the bell and formed a planter at the base of the post.
Each season, I add different flowers or greenery to the tub 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.
You can fill the tub with materials to elevate the container to the top of the tub. For this container I added an old flower pot, upside down, inside the larger galvanized tub.
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Bury Galvanized Tub Planters
One thing leads to another and I began searching old trash piles for buried treasures.
Here you can see a trio of old tubs that I’ve partially buried in the landscape.
To create galvanized tub planters, fill 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 fill with yellow lantana that compliments the blue color.
After the success of my original galvanized finds, I began to search out damaged containers and now have several around the property.
The galvanized tub planter leading to the pool is filled with red geraniums.
They add the touch of country, 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.
Last fall we made these faux galvanized wooden planters and I loved them on the front porch all winter.
However, when I added my geraniums to the porch 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. You can see 5 ways to keep a porch fresh all summer for more porch tips.
The Boutique Rug works with any colors that I add to my porch. However, this rug comes in several color choices.
You can shop my front porch here.
All of my tubs are rescued and unwanted. The tub with a touch of red paint had been discarded by my mother.
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Did I mention that I love anything galvanized and I’ve collected several pieces that fill my landscape as well as my 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 but don’t leave yet! 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.
Emily
Wednesday 15th of June 2022
This is all so beautiful!!! You have such a gorgeous yard, full of beauty!!!
Rachel
Wednesday 15th of June 2022
Thanks Emily, I appreciate that. Glad you stopped by.
Amber
Monday 13th of June 2022
Rachel I totally would have resuced that tub too! It's amazing! I love all of your vintage, rusty, crusty buckets and tubs and the way you use them. I am going to pick up some geraniums this week too, you have inspired me!
Rachel
Tuesday 14th of June 2022
Thanks Amber, I’m sure it will look awesome!
Katie Mansfield
Monday 13th of June 2022
They are precious. Your planters are full of garden inspiration. I had to laugh when you mentioned your husband's dismay. I can relate!
Rachel
Tuesday 14th of June 2022
Thank you, and I’m still training him to my way of thinking! LOL
Lora Bloomquist
Saturday 11th of June 2022
I'm chuckling at your husband's reaction to your bringing the rusted out bucket home; totally sounds like my life on repeat the last 30 years! They never see our vision until we make it happen:) Glad I'm not the only one that fights that uphill battle! I love how you've tucked all the rustic galvanized buckets throughout your porch and your gardens. They're the perfect farmhouse accessory!
Rachel
Sunday 12th of June 2022
Thanks Lora, and thanks for checking it out.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Saturday 11th of June 2022
I love how pretty your geraniums look in your galvanized containers Rachel. I'm in love with that gorgeous chippy bucket and lid that you're using as a side table. Great post!
Rachel
Saturday 11th of June 2022
Kim, Thanks for your comments.