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Repurpose enameled cast iron pot as planter?

msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 460
in Tools and techniques
Hi all, my very old enameled cast iron pot (not Le Creuset) has its enamel cracked at the bottom, exposing the cast iron inside. I don't think I can use it for cooking any more, and am thinking about repurposing it as a planter for my succulents, by putting some gravel at the bottom for draingage. 

I'm worried about water getting into the cast iron and cause it to rust though. Wondering if anyone has any advice on how to seal the cracked enamel bits please? I'm thinking about silicone sealant, but have no idea whether it will work....

Thanks!





Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,097
    It would need holes drilled in it  :)
    I wouldn't be too bothered about the rust though.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,140
    A small bottle of bath enamel repair fluid should sort that out.  I would use a normal  pot with drainage holes tho so you can lift out the succulents and ensure they're not drowning. 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 7,890
    We use Hammerite metal paint on our steel oil tanks - that would do the job. You can buy small tins of it but personally I wouldn't bother.
    Good idea from Obelixx to put 2 or 3 smaller 'normal' plant pots in the larger container. 
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 460
    Thanks all for the comments! I guess it'll take quite some effort to drill through such pot, so I'll probably go with putting smaller pots with drainage holes in it. Hope the rust is not going to be an issue  :)
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 2,944
    The rust will spread if the pot is outside particularly if you put the little pots in and let the water drain into the cast iron pot.
    It'll take a while for the rust to eat thru tho so I'd not worry too much.  You could always remove the little pots and wipe the base every so often.
  • msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 460
    philippasmith2 said:
    The rust will spread if the pot is outside particularly if you put the little pots in and let the water drain into the cast iron pot.
    It'll take a while for the rust to eat thru tho so I'd not worry too much.  You could always remove the little pots and wipe the base every so often.
    Thanks! I plan to use it indoors for succulents, so hopefully it won't be a big problem  :)
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