n_serdiuk Eclectic Landscape, San Francisco

These water troughs used as planting beds are made of the same iron with a zinc coating as CGI.Browse more corrugated galvanized iron photos

Galvanized steel containers are imaginative and edgy, lending a sculptural quality to arrangements. This lightweight material wears well, making it a clever choice for a container garden.

DIY Potting MixCommercial mixes can be pricey, so if you need a large amount of potting soil, you might consider making your own potting mix. To create it, mix one part garden soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite or coarse sand. If using your own garden soil, avoid using soil near any diseased plants; it’s actually recommended that you “pasteurize” it by baking it in an oven at 250 degrees for about 45 minutes. This helps get rid of harmful organisms or diseases.Whether you use a bagged mix or create your own, add an organic fertilizer to ensure the plants receive the proper nutrients to flourish. (Check the label on any bagged mix first to make sure fertilizer isn't already included). You can easily incorporate a granular, slow-release fertilizer to feed your plants over a period of time.Read more about Container Gardens on HouzzMore: How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It

Check the SoilThe best way to tell if a plant needs water is to feel the soil. If the first inch or so of soil is dry to the touch and the plant has average water requirements, it’s time to water. If the plant requires moist soil, you don’t want it to get dry to the touch. This can mean watering at least daily, and more often in drier climates.

Galvanized CulvertGalvanized culverts are typically used for drainage under roadways, but when sliced into sections, they can make wonderfully stylish planters for a contemporary garden. Many building supply stores carry culverts, but you can also look online for "free for pickup" culverts that are being disposed of.Pros: Culverts have a cool contemporary look, are fairly readily available, are easy to install (no assembly required) and can be a permanent feature in your garden. In addition, you will have more control over the height and overall size of your planter than you would if you used stock tanks.Cons: You might have to call around to locate exactly what you want, and when you find a length of pipe in the desired width, you will need to pay to have it cut into sections to use as planters. To transport the sections home, you will need a truck or you will have to arrange for delivery, usually at an additional cost. Culverts are more expensive than galvanized stock tanks.Cost: Culverts typically come in 20- to 30-foot lengths and a wide variety of widths. You could get 15 2-foot-tall, 36-inch-wide planters for about $900.

11. Galvanized culvert as planter. Search Craigslist for a freebie culvert section — if it's too big, you can pay to have it cut to your specifications. These work as is outdoors, but if you added a bottom and finish the top edge they would make amazing planters inside the house.

From Around TownAlternatively, if you happen to have a contact in the public works department, see about picking up a galvanized culvert that is being retired from its post beneath the urban jungle.