If you're after a raised garden bed that looks great and basically takes care of itself, this Corten steel planter from is a seriously solid pick. Corten steel — sometimes called weathering steel — is one of those clever materials that actually uses rust to protect itself. When it's exposed to the elements, it forms a natural patchy brown layer that seals the steel underneath and stops corrosion from going any further. So no painting, no sealing, no fuss. Just set it up and let it do its thing.

The 100x100cm footprint gives you a generous growing space, and at 77cm tall you're not bending down to tend your vegies — which is a win for your back. The open bottom is a smart design touch too: good drainage, no waterlogged roots, and your plants can draw nutrients straight from the ground below. Whether you're planting herbs, flowers, leafy greens or something bigger, there's plenty of depth to work with. The rim has a rolled edge finish so there are no sharp bits to catch yourself on, and the steel frame with internal support brackets keeps everything solid and square.

One thing worth knowing — this arrives in its natural metal colour, not yet rusted. The rusty patina develops over time with weather exposure (you can speed it up with a mix of soap and salt water if you're impatient). Just avoid getting the developing rust on your clothes while it's still fresh. You can grab it through Simpledeals with Afterpay if you'd rather spread the cost — and honestly, for a planter this well-built, it's great value for any backyard or patio setup.

Specifications

• Colour: Rusty
• Material: Corten steel
• Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 77 cm (L x W x H)