Permaculture Gardening – Keyhole Garden
By Ewa Bekiesch, DipSustLiv (UTAS)
Holistic Garden Designer | Real Food Advocate
YouTube & Instagram: @EwasVibes Join the conversation!
Seeds, Cuttings & Plants: foodforestseeds.au
An amazing all-in-one solution, this garden is great for any size space. It’s perfect for small backyards and gardening with kids, as it can be built to different heights depending on your needs. The keyhole garden is a combination of a compost bin and a raised garden bed, where both components complement each other perfectly.
The compost bin functions like any other and should be treated as such. However, there’s no need to remove the compost. Just remember to maintain the right balance of TWO parts brown material to ONE part green material.
Worms and microorganisms will turn garden waste into natural fertilizer, enriching the soil in the garden bed.
This high activity of worms and microorganisms will keep the soil healthy and well-drained, providing perfect conditions for growing food.
If you decide to build one, consider using recycled or second-hand materials like rocks, bricks, concrete blocks, or timber. The shape does not need to be round, and the height is up to you. However, remember that the higher you build it, the more materials you will need, and the soil will dry out more quickly. A height between 20cm and 40cm is recommended.
When building the garden bed, there is no need to remove existing vegetation. Simply mow the grass and place one or two layers of plain cardboard on top. The plants underneath will decompose and provide additional fertilizer. Build the frame from your chosen materials and fill it with different layers, as shown in the drawing. Depending on your chosen height, you can omit the logs or sticks; they are most useful for beds about 40cm or higher. Finish with mulch, and you’re ready to plant your first seedlings!
Remember that the soil in a freshly built bed needs time to establish itself. Starting with easy-to-grow edibles will likely be more successful. Growing a variety of edibles in one bed is highly recommended. Companion planting helps maintain healthy soil and discourages pests. Adding some edible or useful flowers is also a helpful and beautiful feature.
For the composting bin, choose any material you like, though second-hand and recycled options are always best. An old plastic planting pot (with large holes drilled throughout), a laundry basket, or galvanized chicken wire are great choices. Keep in mind it will sit in a moist environment, so choose a durable material; simple thin wire mesh will rust away quickly. While I don’t typically advocate for plastic, it is the best option here, and there are plenty of old containers that can be repurposed.
Once your project is finished, add some garden waste and a bit of compost to the bin to get the process started.
Happy permaculturing!
Any questions or comments? Please leave them in the comments section below the article.
Update In answer to a frequently asked question: Yes, you can absolutely use the compost bin as a worm farm by adding Eisenia foetida (red wigglers) or Lumbricus rubellus (red earthworms).
