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RubyHome states that 55% of US households have a garden and people garden 5 hours a week on average. We love enjoying our private slices of nature, so it's important to take good care of our yard and everything in it.
Metal furnishings can be durable, but they can be prone to weathering. Here are six ways you can shield garden metal so they look better and last longer.
1. Elevate Planters to Prevent Moisture Damage
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of metal garden planters is to keep them slightly elevated off the ground. When these pots sit directly on concrete, soil, or decking, water can become trapped underneath. This creates constant moisture exposure that can lead to:
Rust
Staining
Corrosion
You can use pot feet, bricks, risers, or small stands to allow air to circulate beneath your planters. For larger containers, consider adding plastic or rubber glides underneath, as this can protect both the planters and the surface beneath them.
Make sure to also check the drainage holes regularly. Clogged holes allow standing water to collect inside, and this accelerates deterioration.
2. Rinse Off Dirt, Fertilizer, and Salt Buildup
Metal garden features last much longer when you remove contaminants before they have time to eat away at protective finishes. Gates, trellises, and planters are constantly exposed to:
Fertilizers
Soil minerals
Bird droppings
Road or ocean salt
These can all trap moisture and speed up corrosion. The good news is that a simple rinse with clean water every few weeks can make a huge difference.
If you live in a coastal region or an area with snowy winters, washing away salt deposits is particularly important because salt aggressively attacks metal coatings. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the metals, and then dry the surfaces thoroughly.
3. Use Breathable Covers Instead of Plastic Wraps
Protective covers are helpful for preserving your metal garden decor, but you have to make sure you choose the right type. Otherwise, it can actually trap damaging moisture.
Breathable fabric covers are a better option than tightly wrapped plastic sheets since they allow condensation to escape while still shielding the items from rain and debris. This is especially useful for things that remain outdoors all year long, such as:
Decorative gates
Metal benches
Trellises
Breathable materials reduce moisture buildup and help maintain airflow around the surface. The covers should fit loosely enough to avoid rubbing paint or finishes during windy conditions.
4. Install Corrosion-Resistant Hardware and Fasteners
Even when the main structure is durable, low-quality screws, bolts, and brackets can become the weak point that shortens the life of metal garden pieces. You should replace the standard hardware with corrosion-resistant fasteners made from:
Stainless steel
Galvanized steel
Coated materials
This is especially important for gates, hanging baskets, trellises, and outdoor shelving that are exposed to constant weather fluctuations. Rusting fasteners not only weaken structural stability but can also spread staining and corrosion to surrounding metal surfaces, so use a rust inhibitor primer to prevent that.
5. Schedule Seasonal Touch-Ups Before Damage Spreads
Small scratches and chips in paint or protective coatings may seem minor, but they can quickly become entry points for moisture and rust. You can prevent this from happening by having a seasonal maintenance routine.
At the beginning of spring and again before winter, inspect your gates, planters, railings, and trellises for:
Peeling paint
Bubbling finishes
Orange rust spots
Sand down damaged areas and apply touch-up paint or rust-inhibiting primer to prevent corrosion from spreading beneath the surface. You can get an extra layer of defense against rain and humidity with wax coatings or protective sealants.
During these seasonal inspections, remove trapped leaves or debris, as these can collect moisture against metal surfaces.
6. Store Metal Garden Items in a Dry Space During Winter
These things can place heavy stress on metal surfaces and protective coatings:
Snow
Freezing rain
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Before winter hits, you should thoroughly clean and store your smaller planters, decorative stakes, and portable trellises in a dry storage area. Stack items carefully with padding between surfaces to prevent scratches that can expose bare metal.
For larger fixed items that can't be moved, elevate them slightly and use breathable covers.
Protect Your Garden Metal All Year Long
Metal is a great and durable material for your garden, as long as you take good care of it. The key is to prevent rust and corrosion from happening, but if they do, catching the issues early on can make a huge difference.
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