The Type Of Vintage Planter That Gardeners Are Seriously Loving Right Now

If you love an old-fashioned home and garden aesthetic, then you probably already know you can thrift yard decor to give your garden serious vintage vibes. One item in particular seems popular with gardeners for its intricate details and highly durable material: wrought-iron planters. These planters come in a wide variety of styles, often being designed to hold multiple plants at once. They can be painted or unpainted, ornate or simple, and large or small. You may see geometric shapes, swirls, flowers, and more in carefully crafted wrought-iron planters. Whether you find a tabletop option, a wall-mounted one, or a large planter to sit on the ground, there are endless gorgeous designs. 

While new wrought-iron planters can be rather expensive, often costing over $100, used options can be found at thrift and secondhand stores for lower prices. Wrought-iron items certainly make sense to find in thrift stores, considering that iron can last between 60 and 100 years when properly maintained. So, if you find a discounted, used planter, consider grabbing it — you'll end up with a beautiful, affordable, and durable piece for your home and garden. You'll, of course, need to make sure the material works for your plants and learn how to repair and maintain your wrought iron in the event that you purchase a planter in used condition. But once that's taken care of, you can transfer your favorite plants to your stunning new planter with an old, timeless design.

When using a wrought-iron planter, there are a few issues you may encounter. First, it should be noted that wrought iron, especially unpainted, can get quite hot in the sun. This can pose a risk not only to your plant (by causing the soil to dry out faster and potentially killing the roots), but also to you if the metal becomes too hot to touch. As such, you may benefit from seeking out heat-tolerant plants, such as mangave — a fast grower that can handle the heat and makes any garden more unique. You can also move the planter to shade during the hottest parts of the day, plant in light-colored pots, or apply a reflective coating to the iron to help protect your green friends from the worst of the heat. 

Another concern is rust. As durable as wrought iron is, it is still susceptible to rust, especially in humid environments. So, when you bring your wrought-iron planter home, be prepared to give it a bit of care. Start by cleaning it thoroughly, and then priming and painting the surface if you want a more polished look. For the best results, check out some professional tips for painting wrought iron. Next, seal the surface with a clear sealant. If there is already rust on the planter, gently scrape it off with a wire brush, and clean the surface with soap. Then, apply a rust converter before priming, painting, and sealing it. These steps should help keep your beautiful vintage-looking planter in prime condition.