Keyhole gardens are a great way to grow vegetables, herbs, and other plants in a small space. They are easy to construct and maintain, and they require very little water compared to traditional gardens. Keyhole gardens are also great for those who have limited access to soil or who live in areas with poor soil quality. In this article, we’ll discuss why keyhole gardens are great for home gardeners, how to create your keyhole garden, and tips for maximizing your yield.
Keyhole gardens are great because of their:
- Ease of use: Keyhole gardens are easy to set up and maintain, making them an excellent option for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Small space gardening: Keyhole gardens are perfect for those with limited space, as they can be easily incorporated into small outdoor areas.
- Improved soil health: The composting basket helps to improve soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
- Pest control: The diverse microclimate created by the keyhole garden can help to deter pests and reduce the need for pesticides.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Keyhole gardens are a visually appealing addition to any garden, with their circular shape and colorful plants.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- What keyhole gardens are & how they protect your plants and vegetables
- The main benefits of keyhole gardens
- What materials are used to create keyhole gardens
- How Frame It All provides the highest-quality materials to build your keyhole garden and help protect your
Visit Our Website to learn more about our keyhole gardens and how you can protect your plants and vegetables from being destroyed by stray animals, insects, and bugs
What are Keyhole Gardens, Anyway?
Keyhole gardens are a unique and innovative way to grow various plants in a small space. These circular gardens are typically constructed using a circular raised bed with a composting basket in the center. The composting basket helps to create a microclimate within the keyhole garden, providing the plants with all the nutrients they need to thrive.
How are Keyhole Gardens Beneficial For Home Gardeners?
Keyhole gardens are perfect for home gardeners who’d like to:
- Water conservation: The circular shape and composting basket of keyhole gardens help to retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Increased productivity: The composting basket creates a microclimate that provides plants with all the nutrients they need to thrive, resulting in increased productivity.
- Drought tolerance: Keyhole gardens are an excellent option for drought-prone areas or for those looking to reduce their water usage.
- Versatility: Keyhole gardens can be used to grow various plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
- Reduced maintenance: The composting basket helps to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, reducing the need for additional fertilizers and pesticides.
What Materials Are Used To Make a Keyhole Garden?
There are several materials you’ll need to purchase (or you can purchase a ready-made keyhole garden kit).
To make a keyhole garden, you will need the following materials:
- Raised bed: A circular raised bed is the foundation of a keyhole garden. You can use various materials to construct the bed, such as wood, brick, or stone.
- Composting basket: A composting basket is placed in the center of the raised bed and helps to create a microclimate within the keyhole garden. You can use various materials to make the basket, such as wood, wire mesh, or recycled materials.
- Soil: You will need a high-quality soil mixture to fill the raised bed and composting basket. A combination of compost, soil, and sand is a good option.
- Plants: Choose various plants to fill your keyhole garden, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Make sure to choose plants suitable for your climate and growing conditions.
- Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil can help to retain moisture and suppress weeds. You can use various mulch materials, such as wood chips, straws, or leaves.
- Tools: You will need a few essential gardening tools, such as a shovel, rake, and gloves, to construct and maintain your keyhole garden.
Optional materials: Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you may want to include additional materials in your keyhole gardens, such as trellises, stakes, or netting.
What Time of Year Should You Plant In Your Keyhole Garden?
The best time to plant in your keyhole garden depends on your climate and the specific plants you want to grow. Here are a few general guidelines:
- In cooler climates: If you live in cooler weather, you can start planting your keyhole garden in early spring once the risk of frost has passed. This is an excellent time to plant cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, peas, and radishes.
- In warmer climates: If you live in warmer weather, you can start planting your keyhole garden in early fall once the summer heat has dissipated. This is an excellent time to plant cool-season vegetables and warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and beans.
- Year-round planting: If you live in a climate with mild temperatures, you may be able to plant in your keyhole garden year-round. This is a good option for those who want a continuous supply of fresh produce.
It's essential to keep in mind that the specific timing of planting will depend on your particular climate and growing conditions. Consider consulting with a local nursery or gardening expert to determine the best time to plant in your keyhole garden.
Here’s How Frame It All’s Keyhole Gardens Breathe New Life Into Your Garden
Are you looking to make your terrace a little more festive this holiday season? This large 4’ x 8’ Keyhole Raised Garden Bed is a garden for the whole family to enjoy. It is the perfect place to start developing your gardening skills while also enabling you to recycle your kitchen and yard scraps.
The Worm it All Composter provides enriched soil to your entire Raised Garden Bed by attracting worms that are key in composting. Soil enhanced by compost holds more moisture meaning less watering and more harvesting!
Worms are an essential part of the ecosystem, and their presence can have a positive effect on plant growth. Worms feed on plant debris and soil, and their digestive system breaks down the organic and mineral constituents in their food. As a result, worms often leave their nutrient-rich casts in their tunnels, providing a favorable environment for plant root growth.
Here are a few of the features the 4' x 8' Keyhole Garden Raised Bed offers home gardeners:
- The equivalent of 97 single-use plastic bottles is diverted from oceans and landfills to make each 4 ft. 2” Profile composite board!
- Food-safe composite boards are made from 38% HDPE Plastic and 62% Certified Sustainably Sourced Wood Fibers.
- Snap-Lock Brackets – simply slide and snap
- Composite Boards feature a textured finish that blends into any environment
- Limited Lifetime Warranty on Raised Bed (registration required) / 5-year warranty (no registration required)
- Worm it All Composting Box - 1 Year-Warranty