How to Convert a Galvanized Washtub into a Planter

I love the look of this old washtub. I want to use it in my garden. Here’s how to convert a galvanized washtub into a planter.

I’ve had this old galvanized wash tub for years. I don’t know where it came from. I just remember it being at my mother’s home. I expect she actually used it to wash clothes at one point.

I’ve had many ideas for this washtub – an ice bucket for outdoor parties or, a water feature for the garden, but I think I’m settled on making it a planter for the garden.

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How to Convert a Galvanized Washtub into a Planter

The main issue with using a washtub as a planter is adequate drainage. We get a lot of rain and there needs to be drainage. Otherwise, whatever I plant in there will get root rot because the washtub will basically become a pool of water.

So in order to incorporate drainage, you have to drill some holes in the bottom. I think this is one of the reasons why I’ve waited so long to convert this tub. Drilling holes is pretty permanent. But it’s literally been sitting in my yard for years so it’s time to be decisive!

We just used a regular drill bit – the biggest one we had to drill holes in the bottom of the washtub.

Be careful!: Remember when using any power tool to exercise caution. Make sure to wear safety glasses and make sure no young children or pets are nearby.

how to convert a galvanized washtub into a planter

We drilled five holes. You can drill more. You just want to make sure there is adequate drainage.

Before planting, I want to make sure there are no drainage issues so I’m going to layer the bottom with pebbles. We used what we had, which was pea gravel.

Now since pea gravel is quite small, they would have fallen through the holes. So I covered each hole with mesh squares that I have for potting my house plants. I used these to cover the holes. This way the gravel would not fall through.

So a layer of pea gravel went on top of this. This will also help with drainage so that if it is slow to drain out of the holes, the water has somewhere to go and it won’t keep the dirt so soggy. You just need an inch or so of gravel.

Then I just topped it up with soil and planted my strawberries!

I chose Eversweet strawberries as I was told that they produce strawberries continuously (as opposed to one crop) from summer to fall. The strawberries are also supposed to be a decent size. We shall see!

Handy Tip!

Once filled, this galvanized washtub will be heavy! If you want it to be more mobile, place the washtub on top of one of those wheeled planter movers. Do this before you fill it up as it will be easier and lighter.

Now you can move it around anywhere you want to ensure it gets maximum sun, or simply when you are tidying up the garden and you need to get around it.

This is the perfect planter for my strawberries!