Keyhole gardens were popularized in Africa for their ability to lock in moisture in hot and dry climates, and now they're being adopted in similarly arid areas like Texas. At Clifton Feed and Service Center in Bosque County, they provide all of the lawn and garden supplies you need to start growing your very own desert-friendly keyhole garden.

If you’ve never seen one, keyhole gardens are indeed shaped like keyholes. By creating a compost pile in the center of the keyhole, the garden bed can secure vital nutrients. The bed should be about six feet in diameter and elevated by stone, brick, or another material. 

Here are a few tips to get your garden going:

• Use Sticks, Chicken Wire, Or Twine To Create The Compost Basket: This allows the composted material to easily seep into the soil, nourishing your crops. Place rocks in the bottom of the basket for drainage purposes. Cover the rocks with topsoil.
• Add To Your Compost Basket Daily: Each day, feed your compost basket with food scraps or garden waste. You should also add water.
• Employ Shade In Extreme Heat Or Rain: Create some type of shade for your garden bed for use during extremely hot or rainy weather.
• Layer The Garden Bed Wisely: The first layer should consist of tin cans, bits of plant pots, twigs, or other materials that will aid in drainage. Then, add cardboard, topsoil, compost, straw, and aged manure. Always place your best soil on top.

You should let the soil mix for about a week before planting your seeds. It’s best to choose about four types of vegetables to maintain your garden’s health and stave off pests. Onion and garlic, for example, serve as excellent protection. Initially, you will want to directly water the seeds and young plants until they develop roots. Then, watering the compost bin directly will be enough to sustain your garden.

For everything you need for your keyhole garden, look no further than Clifton’s favorite lawn and garden supply store. They also have an extensive selection of pet food and supplies, livestock feed, and much more. To begin your garden’s transformation, visit Clifton Feed and Service Center today or give them a call at (254) 675-3416. To learn more about their selection of lawn and garden supplies, visit their website.