Container Materials: Metal
Metal containers are manufactured by several different methods. They can be pressed, bent, cast, rolled, powder coated, galvanized, or polished to develop plentiful mattes and reflective finishes.
Powder coated metals provide you with a container that are brilliantly colorful. The vivid color exposes and draws attention to the smooth gleaming surface that ranges in shapes and sizes.
Highly polished metal surfaces such as steel or aluminum brighten up and make a large visual statement in any garden area. You must keep that luster and reflective surface highly polished. Do this by spraying window cleaner on the surface and wiping with a soft non abrasive cloth. Using abrasive scourers may scratch the surface permanently. During the winter months, when the metal container is empty and not in use, apply a generous amount of car wax to protect against water and to enhance the natural appeal of the polish.
Metal containers are trendy and are well liked by most container gardeners. Metal has many advantages such as being durable in outdoor weather and require little or no maintenance. Although the material itself is very strong and reliable, surfaces that have been treated and colored will eventually fade. Rust markings can be left on grounds where metal containers were once placed. To avoid this staining from occurring on your walkway or path, provide a route for water drainage that is away from the pot base.
Rust stains are a nuisance with metal containers. It is metal’s biggest enemy and must be protected against in order to extend the life of the container. Most metal pots are sprayed with a thin coat of zinc, are galvanized, or powder coated to provide protection against extreme weather conditions. Be sure not to scratch or scuff the protective coating or the metal will start to corrode.
In certain metal containers cases, you must drill drainage holes at the bottom in order for the plant roots to stay healthy. This task requires breaking the protective coating but there is a solution for this. Once you have finished drilling drainage holes in the pot base, quickly apply a generous coating of anti rust paint to reseal both sides of the broken metal surface. In this manner, the metal base will not rust as the water drains.
Metal containers conduct heat very quickly and effectively and it is thought that this rapid heat conductivity scorches and dries out the root of the plants and the potting mix. Although this has never happened with me, it is still a good idea to provide a bit of extra watering.
