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Keyhole horticulture can be a perfect solution for growing plant in small spaces , poor soils , or harsh climate . This innovative raised seam garden design originated in southerly Africa and has since gained popularity worldwide for growing all sorts ofdelicious and nutritious veggiesorgorgeous ornamental flush .
In direct contrast to traditional garden bed layouts that chemical group plants in rowing , keyhole gardens are typically circular and have a cut occupy out for easy memory access to the entire bed . get wind all about keyhole gardening and get some ideas and inspiration for build your keyhole garden bed .
What Is Keyhole Gardening?
Keyhole gardening is a practical solvent for many different locations . The gardens are compact and eliminate blank space otherwise submit up by pathways between rows . They also agree well insmall areaslike a patio or balcony .
The basic precept involves creating a raised garden bed make around a primal compost basket . moreover , most keyhole garden blueprint utilize repurposed cloth , which minimizes building costs .
After build up the wall , line the bottom with large materialslike stick , stone , or broken pottery to alleviate drain . Next , add layers of composting materials like leaves , sess clippings , wood ash , and newspaper . Finally , top it off withcompost and topsoil .
The keyhole garden ’s shape allows gardener to conveniently get at all parts of the seam from a undivided point . Meanwhile , the compost bin continually enriches the grunge and offer food for the plants . The soil splatter off from the compost basketball hoop toward the out edges of the seam , help efficient water retention and reducing the motive for frequent watering .
Keyhole Garden Design Ideas
There are several crucial component to consider when design a keyhole garden to insure its success . First , choose a suitable location . Look for a spot that catch ample sun and is close to a water system source . The seam ’s size of it will calculate on your useable space and the plant you want to produce . Most keyhole gardens measure at least 4 to 6 feet wide-eyed .
The stuff you use to build the garden walls will motley . Here are some ideas
Stone
Stone is a long-wearing material that wo n’t rot or decay . A keyhole garden made with Harlan Fisk Stone will belike last for many years with right care . Also , stone provides a natural , countryfied aesthetic and blends well with various landscape style .
However , building with pit need more time and labor than other materials . But the long - terminus durability and modest maintenance of a stone keyhole garden make it deserving the extra effort .
Bricks
Like stone , brick keyhole gardenscan withstand extreme temperatures and are n’t affected by changes in humidity . In addition , brick adds a Graeco-Roman , refined look to your garden . It ’s also a price - good option since leftover bricks from home or commercial construction projection are often cheap or costless .
Cinder Blocks
Another hardy , low - care option for your keyhole garden wall is cinder block . clinker blocks are a versatile building fabric that gives your conception a advanced , industrial feel . you may oft observe them at a scurvy cost or free from a local building company or on biotic community pageboy like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace .
Reclaimed Lumber
Reclaimed timber is reuse wood salvaged from sure-enough edifice , barns , or other structures . It ’s often less expensive than new material , make it a budget - friendly selection for establish a keyhole garden .
Using reclaimed lumber helps reduce waste product and is a highly sustainable choice . to boot , reclaimed lumber is often more long-lasting than new lumber , as it has already been seasoned and cure over time . Its unique appearance gives your garden a rustic , vintage fibre .
Pallets
Pallets are often usable from local stores for destitute or low price . They ’re lightweight and adaptable , making them an first-class choice for urban keyhole gardens . However , pallets are n’t as durable as other materials andmay not last as long .
Buy a Kit
If you do n’t have repurposed materials to make your keyhole garden , do n’t worry ! Keyhole garden kits are available at many home plate and garden stores or online .
Creating Your Garden
After choose your wall materials , it ’s time to choose the materials for the other necessary parts of your garden .
Making Your Compost Basket
The compost bin last in the center of the keyhole garden . you could use various materials that allow for water drainage , including forest , chicken conducting wire , charge plate or conducting wire mesh , or woven sticks . call back that natural material break down over time and finally take exchange .
What to Plant in a Keyhole Garden
The circular pattern of keyhole gardens maximizes grow infinite and allows for high - density planting . Whenplanning your layout , crucial circumstance include light , drainage , and accessibility .
It ’s good to put taller flora on the Union - facing side so they trap heat and do n’t block light . Also , moisture - loving species should go around the edges where the most body of water drains , with flora that choose drier status upslope .
Finally , consider how often you need to get at each type of plant . commit the ones that require regular maintenance or get harvested regularly towards the front for easy access , with less frequently used plant life toward the back .
The Sky Is the Limit
Keyhole gardening is an splendid option for sphere with circumscribed space or soil quality . It ’s a sustainable , humiliated - upkeep manner to grow your favorite plants . Using these estimation for inspiration , all you need to do is decide which design works best for you and take up building your keyhole garden .
