Our Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Dolly Tub Planter

Since 2015, we've been sending our Dolly Tub planters far and wide, whilst also creating a varied container garden here at home. As gardeners and retailers, we've garnered considerable knowledge on how to get the most from our metal garden planters and how to maintain them going forward. Here is our ultimate guide on how to plant your Dolly tub planter and how best to maintain these vintage-inspired plant containers.

1. Do Not Drill Additional Drainage Holes

Our Dolly tub planters are supplied ready for planting. Although not immediately apparent, where the base meets the corrugated side, there is an unsealed gap to allow for drainage. This space allows for ample drainage for plants of all sizes. There are two very good reasons why we do not recommend adding additional holes. Firstly, drilling extra holes damages the galvanized metal, allowing moisture to enter the metal and causing the base of the planter to rust. Secondly, by adding additional drainage holes, it becomes very difficult to retain enough moisture in the planter to benefit the plants.

2. How to create the best drainage.

Instead, we have found the best way to create lasting drainage is to start with a layer of crocks or pebbles. This can be broken terracotta plant pot crocks, gravel, or stone. Add a layer that covers the base of the planter up to the bottom rim (the drainage gap where the side meets the base). This creates a drainage gap, allowing moisture to escape while maintaining moisture levels for your plants, thereby preventing waterlogging of the planter. 

Top Tip!

To make the planter easier to manoeuvre, use polystyrene in place of stone. Polystyrene used in the same way will produce the same effect, whilst reducing the overall weight of the finished planter.

3. Choosing the right compost.

Our Dolly tub garden planter is suitable for every type of plant, and the compost/soil mix you select will depend on the planting scheme you have in mind for your garden container. A general-purpose peat-free compost is ideal for short-term annual plants, such as summer bedding plants, vegetable crops, and spring bulbs.

For longer-term planting such as ornamental trees, topiary, and perennial planting schemes, we recommend a soil-based peat-free compost. This can be purchased compost, such as John Innes No. 3, or you can make your own by mixing one part garden soil with two parts peat-free general compost. Remember that the level will drop in the first few weeks after planting and will need to be topped up. 

Top Tip!

I add a layer of mulch to the top of the planter (repeating if necessary later in the year). I use our own compost, which contains rotted horse manure. This helps retain moisture levels and limits weeds. Wood bark and bought mulch products also work well.

4. Maintaining Your Dolly Tub Planter

Our Dolly tub planters provide a durable alternative to traditional plant containers, including those made from terracotta, plastic, and wood. They are frost-proof and wind-proof, and the ample, deep planting space is excellent for growing and retaining good moisture levels. Although made from galvanised mild steel, without maintenance, they may suffer some corrosion over time. We recommend treating them with a coating such as Clear PlastiKote or Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear. We recommend Maxi Colour Clear Lacquer in a matte finish (this link is to the manufacturer's specification; it is readily available in large stores, such as B&Q). These products are quick and easy to apply, offering protection from the elements. Left untreated, the Dolly planter will develop a slight rust, but I can attest that it will last for many years, albeit with a more vintage appearance.