Using zinc planters

I bought 3 planters similar to the picture, approx 4ft long each. There are no drainage holes though. Am I supposed to just sit potted plants inside or can I drill drainage holes, fill with soil and use it directly?

 

The planter will need drainage holes either way @My Clay Jungle. If you put plants in pots in it, after a heavy downpour it will fill and your pots won’t be able to drain. You’ll get more plants in it if you plant directly.

 

Thank you both. I was wondering the same regarding overflowing with water after I'd posted! I wasn't sure whether there was some chemical reason that soil/plants couldn't do directly into it, but great to know that there isn't.

 

Keep in mind that they are metal and will get very hot if they are in full sun all day, the soil and plants can warm up very quickly!

 

Note if it is only zinc coated it will likely rust around any drill hole. Might help to touch it up, or be prepared to replace if it goes. We have had several square cubes for 3-4 years.

 

It will be worth raising the planter slightly so that it drains well. Metal can of course get hot and heat the soil and roots so think about positioning and what you plan to grow in your planter.

 

This is very true we use them with sourced plastic pots for this reason and ease of removal. Then again stability was one of the other reasons for getting them as well as the look.