Transform Your Sleep Space - Elevate Any Mattress to a Functional Keyhole Garden using this Innovative Below-Bed Composter
Turning over a new leaf in gardening? Try keyhole gardening! It's the latest innovation that's taking the landscape by storm, and for good reason.
What's Keyhole Gardening All About?
Originating in Africa, this type of gardening was designed to address poor soil and moisture retention issues. The concept worked so splendidly that it's now found everywhere. A keyhole garden is usually a round, raised bed with a pie-shaped section missing, allowing for easy access without damaging the soil beneath.
The secret ingredient lies in the center. It's a porous container, such as a basket, where kitchen and garden waste, and even water, are added. This waste is broken down by worms and other compost-loving critters. You can either purchase worms for vermicomposting or let Mother Nature take her course! The decomposed organic matter, rich with nutrients, then mingles with the surrounding soil, providing a continuous feeding system for your plants.
Benefits Galore
Keyhole gardens are heavenly for those with limited mobility, as they're raised, so no need for bending and straining. The area is bordered by materials that capture solar energy, making the soil warmer earlier in the season and later in the fall. As you tend your garden, remove weeds and harvest veggies, and instead of tossing them aside, chuck them into the compost basket for an all-natural, free fertilizer.
Convert Your Existing Bed into a Keyhole Garden
Looking to give your garden a boost? Look no further than our DIY keyhole garden component, the Vego in-ground worm composter. Made from BPA-free plastic, it's affordable, durable, and comes in various colors. Simply bury the composter in the soil and lift the lid to deposit waste. The earthworms and other beneficial critters do the rest, transforming your waste into treasure!
Set Up Your Own Keyhole Garden
Ready to get started on your DIY keyhole garden? First, create a border with materials of your choice, ensuring it's tall enough for comfortable tending. The size is up to you, but a 6.5-foot diameter with a raised border is ideal for our Vego in-ground worm composter. Next, construct the keyhole-shaped path. Fill the area with soil or layer organic matter, as in traditional lasagna gardening, then center your composting basket. In a month, your new keyhole garden will be ready for planting!
FAQs
Are Keyhole Gardens Really Effective?
Yes, keyhole gardens are highly effective for optimizing space, water, and nutrient use, as well as reducing maintenance effort.
How Deep Should a Keyhole Garden Be?
The depth depends on the border height, but a general rule is to make it at least waist-high, providing comfortable access and sufficient soil depth.
How Should I Layer a Keyhole Garden?
Layer organic matter such as compost, fall leaves, and straw, alternating with nutrient-rich materials like coffee grounds, eggshells, and vegetable scraps. Finish with a layer of topsoil and compost for a rich, plant-friendly base.
A keyhole garden not only addresses challenges with soil and moisture retention but also serves as an effective composting system, using kitchen and garden waste to supplement the soil with nutrients. For those who wish to adapt their existing garden bed, the Vego in-ground worm composter can facilitate this transformation, offering a convenient, all-natural fertilizer.
With keyhole gardening, you'll grow your garden while also cultivating a home-and-garden lifestyle that benefits both you and your environment, as laziness in composting is replaced by a richer lifestyle that's friendly to the planet. Moreover, the keyhole design allows for easy access and minimal bending, making it ideal for individuals with limited mobility.
