Not everyone has the outdoor space in which to install a garden – be it functional (as with vegetables or fruit) or for aesthetic appeal (flowers). A container garden may be the way to go if you have limited outdoor space or if you don't feel up to the task of tending to a large plot of land.

Of course, there is a choice to make if you're going to be a container gardener: What type of planter should you use? Here, we’re going to look specifically at metal planters. Why do these deserve special mention? If you're not careful, you can experience rusting, as with most things made from metal. Is there a way to avoid this?

Waterproof Foam

With a layer of waterproof foam, line the inner surface of your metal planter. This will protect the planter’s sides because they won't actually be touched by the water. Don't block the drainage holes by putting this foam on the bottom, however.

Inner Pot

Inside of your metal pot, place a slightly smaller plastic planter/pot. When you want to water your plant, however, you should take it out of the metal pot so the water can drain out the bottom and not touch the metal. Once it's done draining, you can put it back in the metal pot.

Powder Coating

To help protect metal from rusting, materials such as urethane, epoxy, vinyl, nylon, polyester, and acrylic are used to make powder coatings. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you may decide to apply this powder coating to the metal planter you've already chosen.

Stainless-Steel

You may experience less rusting if you use a stainless-steel planter. These are few and far between, however, so you may have to search.

Rust Resistant Paint

If you have a metal planter that you want to rust proof, consider using rust resistant paint on the inside. Apply it to the outside as well, for added protection. For a good 24 hours, the paint should be allowed to dry before you apply a second coat. Then wait another 24 hours before use. You still may want to use a plastic liner of some sort, however, so that the potting soil isn't affected by the chemicals in the paint.

Galvanized Metal

To the surface of the metal, a zinc coating is applied to these planters. Be careful, however, that you don't scratch the coating because rust will then be encouraged at the point of the scratch. If you prefer metal pots and/or planters for your container gardening, this is the easiest, safest way to go.

Metal Versus Plastic For Vegetables

While the choice of metal or plastic can depend on the gardener in question, when it comes to vegetables/fruits, plastic may well be the better choice. As evidenced above, metal can rust. No one wants to grow vegetables in a rusty container. If you truly want to grow vegetables in a metal container, it is suggested that you follow the above-mentioned tips to prevent rusting.

To extend the life of the steel a pot may be made from, it’s best to consider galvanized metal. Here, the steel is protected by the zinc alloy coating used for such products. These planters are considered safe, even for vegetables/fruits.

Shop for Planters, Seeds, and Accessories At DIY Tool Supply

At DIY Tool Supply, we carry any number of planters for your vegetables and flowers. Various shapes, sizes, and materials are available, depending on your needs and desires.

If you have a question that you'd like to ask one of our representatives – or if you want to discuss your shipment – we are happy to help. Use our convenient online form to open the lines of communication.