DIY Farmhouse Galvanized Metal Planter

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This DIY farmhouse galvanized metal planter is super fast to put together, inexpensive, and can be used to beautify your porch, garden or yard.

We’ve lived in our home for a year now and haven’t paid much attention to our outdoor spaces until this spring/summer. We finally put in sprinklers and grass (maybe now we won’t be tracking in dirt all day long!) and our yard is looking pretty!

With summer upon us and the yard squared away, I decided it was time to turn my attention to the front porch. And one item I knew I wanted to add was a galvanized metal planter.

Why Make a DIY Galvanized Metal Planter?

• Galvanized metal adds a utilitarian farmhouse vibe to your space. Using a new bucket or tub will look more modern, while finding a used/vintage bucket will give it a more rustic feel.
• Galvanized metal is fairly inexpensive. You can buy a galvanized bucket or tub from a local feed store for much less than a similar-sized ceramic planter. Or find it at a thrift store or yard sale for even less.
• Your planter will hold up for years to come. Galvanized metal is steel or iron that has had a protective coating applied to keep the metal from rusting. In addition, these buckets and tubs won’t crack or chip like ceramic planters.

Tips for Making a DIY Farmhouse Galvanized Metal Planter

• Get the right sized tub. I almost bought the 15 gallon size but at the last minute grabbed the 10.5 gallon tub instead. I’m really glad I did because even that one took a lot of rocks and soil to fill up!
• Find the right spot for your planter before you fill it up. You will be adding rocks to the bottom half of your tub to help with drainage and to add bulk to your planter so you don’t have to use as much soil. This is going to make your planter REALLY heavy and all but impossible to move unless it has wheels. So make sure you place this beauty in the right place from the get-go!
• Get creative. You don’t have to stick with a galvanized bucket or tub. Think outside the box. For example, you could use a galvanized chicken feeder or washtub with stand.
• Use shade-loving plants if your planter will be on a covered porch & won’t receive direct sunlight. The plants I used include: wasabi, ‘Chartres street’ coleus, ‘sonic white’ impatiens and ‘thorndale’ ivy.

How to Make a DIY Farmhouse Galvanized Planter

1. Using a 3/8″ drill bit, drill holes in the bottom of the bucket to allow water to drain after watering plants. We drilled 6 holes.

2. Place your planter in the space you have selected.

3. Fill the bottom half of the planter with rocks. This allows for drainage and also adds bulk to the planter so you don’t have to use as much soil.

4. Next, fill with soil. Leave a couple of inches between the soil and the top of the planter.Now you are ready to plant and make it pretty!

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11 gallon round galvanized steel tub

Miracle Grow potting mix

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