With world hunger and a need for local food production, teaching gardening skills to starving people is a must. I try to envision trying to garden with what I have around me only in the process. In the U.S. we have the luxury of garden centers, nurseries and basic clean running water.
Keyhole gardening offers plain smart design. Using a composting basket in the center allows for a constant feeding of nutrients and water to the garden. Grey water can be recycled from household daily use and poured straight into the center creating zero waste of drinking water. With the nutrient dense soil more food can be planted in a smaller space and not waste water and resources. The design seems simple enough that a garden could easily be constructed by most households and communities.
I would like to build one of these myself. This video is one being built in Uganda.
This design can be adapted to whatever area you live in. Rocks and boulders may be used instead of brick. Freecycled material may also be an option for those of us in the U.S. for material. It would be great not only to be able to use this to grow our own food, but learn the skills so that we may be able to help others no matter where they live.
If you would like to add a tasteful looking planter to your patio this year, let me suggest using one of those baskets that you have way too many of hanging around. That's what I did. Its super easy and it didn't cost a thing really.
All you need to do is:
use a sturdy basket
line it with 3-4 layers of newspaper, trimming the edges so they won't stick out around the rim
Fill with potting soil - I like to use the "moisture control" kind so it doesn't dry out so fast
Fill with the plants of your choice
Garage sales and thrift stores always have a plethora of baskets for the picking. Its not necessary to paint the basket or anything. This one came painted and didn't fit in my decor anymore. This same concept could be applied to other containers that soil may leak through. Using black and white newspaper or even coffee filters for smaller containers is all you need. Its a great way to recycle and save tons of money on expensive planters.
