I’m so thankful to my blog-reader-keyhole-expert, Deb, for her advice and instructions. The other day when I mentioned using pallets, she suggested that I mention using a bit of caution when using pallets in the garden. I’m often surprised at things, including pesticides, that people will use in their gardens. There are people who will pile up used tires and plant potatoes in them. I’m not one of those folks! There are studies that say it’s safe to use the tires but there are studies that say it’s safe to do just about everything . . before the study says it’s NOT safe to use those things.
Please use caution with anything you’re going to be using around food sources for yourself or your animals.
About the pallets, one of the biggest concerns with them is that some have been treated with methyl bromide. Any pallets manufactured in the U.S. after 2005 should not have an issue with methyl bromide. I’m not sure what the year is for Canada but they don’t allow MB either. Any pallet that’s been around since 2005 . . that would surprise me but still, be safe. This website has a lot of info on reading the stamps on the pallets and determining what all the code means.
But, so much comes in on pallets from other countries so please check labels (on everything) before using it for food production.
Keyhole Garden
Looking at it, we probably should have painted the entire pallet. It looks like it’s been bleeding profusely! I am not going to mention paining the whole thing . . I’m ready to start planting!
Feeding Tube
I call this the feeding tube but that’s not technically what it’s called. This is where we’ll dump leaves, rabbit poop, chow and chicken manure, food scraps and where most of the watering will be done.
Because that wire is so sharp, Vince cut an old water hose and covered the sharp edges. He thinks of everything!
I’m hoping this afternoon we’ll start with the cardboard. Of course, I’ll take photos and report back to you.
frstborn says
Yours is much more professional looking than mine!
Pat Peele says
What is the size of yours and the size of the tube?looks good! Methyl bromide may be allowed again even though it is banned in many countries and there are studies that it is unsafe even when used by the label which many do not.
Deb says
I love it! I can’t wait to see it with verges growing.
Dar in MO says
That is so interesting looking. I have never heard of keyhole gardening and will read up on it. Your Vince is such a wonderful man to help with all your projects. I can see why you get so much accomplished and such fun things going on all the time. It is much more fun when you have a willing partner to share with that gets into the act almost as much as you!! Can’t wait to see how it progresses and hear your reports.