Corten steel, with its unique rusty appearance and remarkable weather-resistant properties, has gained huge popularity in architectural and landscaping applications. However, its suitability for nurturing plants is a question that often arises. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of using corten steel planters for plant growth and address common concerns. Let’s explore whether corten steel is a good choice for your plants!

Plant Protection

Corten Steel planters are renowned for their exceptional durability and unmatched weather resistance, making them an excellent solution for safeguarding plants. The inherent strength of Corten Steel allows it to withstand the most extreme weather conditions without compromising its structural integrity. Its remarkable durability ensures that the planters retain their robustness over time, offering long-lasting protection. Additionally, the unique composition of Corten Steel and the formation of a protective rust layer on its surface enhance its resistance to corrosion, making it highly resilient in any outdoor environment. 

Is Corten Steel safe for growing food/vegetables?

Yes, they are a safe choice for growing food and vegetables, particularly for those concerned about potential contamination from treated timber structures or the use of chemicals. Unlike treated timber, Corten Steel does not require any paint or chemical treatment, ensuring that there are no harmful substances that can leak into the soil and affect the plants. While small amounts of zinc and iron can seep into the soil over time, these natural minerals are present in such minimal quantities that they will not have any significant impact on your plants. 

Do corten planters get too hot in the summer?

Steel planters have the ability to conduct heat and may feel warm to the touch after being exposed to the sun. While the temperature of the soil near the edges of the planter may rise on warm days, you shouldn’t need to worry about your plants drying up as long as you water them properly.

However, if you have concerns about excessive heat, you can take additional measures such as insulating the inside of the planters to avoid direct contact between the soil and the steel. On hot days, you can also consider moving smaller pots or planters on wheels to shaded areas to further mitigate potential heat issues.

Drainage and Why it’s Important

Proper drainage is crucial for healthy plant growth. It helps prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Our range of Corten planters comes with drainage holes as standard, ensuring that excess water can escape. We also offer an option for raised feet which helps to improve water exit, air circulation and prevents pests from entering the pot, further enhancing plant health.

Choosing the right size and shape

Choosing the right planter involves careful consideration of its size, based on the type of plant, its growth habits, and the extent of its roots. Larger species like trees or substantial shrubs necessitate deep, spacious planters to comfortably accommodate their expansive roots. In contrast, smaller plants typically do well in more compact, shallower containers.

For fully grown plants, we suggest selecting a planter that provides at least an inch of additional space around the current root spread. If you’re considering multiple plants in one container, be sure to factor in each plant’s mature size to ensure the planter provides sufficient room for individual growth. Similarly, for young or newly planted specimens, anticipate their growth and choose a planter that can accommodate their size at maturity.

While the shape of the planter doesn’t directly impact the plant’s health, certain planter shapes are more suited to specific types of plants, enhancing their natural beauty and complementing their growth habits.

The versatility of Corten Planters

Corten planters offer remarkable versatility, providing an excellent environment for a wide range of plant types. Whether you’re planting towering trees, lush shrubs, decorative hedges, vibrant flowers, or nutritious vegetables, Corten planters can accommodate them all. Their resilience and spacious design offer endless possibilities for gardeners, allowing you to exercise your creativity and design a garden that truly reflects your style and meets your practical needs.

In addition to their capacity to host many plants, Steel planters come in an array of shapes that can further enhance your garden’s layout. For example, Corten Trough Planters, with their elongated shape, are perfect for creating linear structures, such as defining garden boundaries or creating plant-lined pathways. They are ideal for planting rows of the same plant species like herbs, lavender, or low-growing hedges.

Corten steel cube planters, on the other hand, are incredibly versatile, fitting into different spaces easily. Their symmetrical shape makes them ideal as focal points in a design scheme. You could use a large cube planter to house a statement tree or shrub, or a collection of smaller cubes to create a modular plant display with varying heights.

Finally, when it comes to growing a variety of plants, Corten steel raised beds provide a practical and stylish solution. Raised beds are particularly useful for growing vegetables, as they improve soil drainage, help to deter pests, and can make the gardening process easier on the back and knees. They can also be used to create a layered flower garden, giving your green space a dynamic, multi-dimensional feel.

So, Is Corten Steel good for plants?

In summary, Corten planters offer durability, weather resistance, and a safe environment for plants to thrive. Their versatility in accommodating different plant types and garden designs makes them an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts. Discover our large range of corten steel planters today to elevate your garden and create an optimal space for your plants to flourish.