In this episode, the Elaine highlights the work of Dr. Deb Tolman, an environmental scientist and founder of the SILO Project, who shares her knowledge on sustainable gardening, specifically using keyhole gardens. With origins in Africa, keyhole gardens can be adapted to challenging climates like Texas. In this episode, Elaine discusses the benefits of keyhole gardening, including its potential to grow fresh produce at home and talks through a step-by-step guide to creating your own keyhole garden.

• This is a solo episode from Elaine Acker highlighting the work of Dr. Deb Tolman: Environmental scientist and founder of the SILO Project, an organization that researches and develops sustainable living practices and educates the public.

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• Introduction to Dr. Deb Tolman and the SILO Project

• Origins and concept of keyhole gardens

• Adapting keyhole gardens to challenging climates

• Benefits of keyhole gardening

• Success stories of keyhole gardens in Clifton, Texas

• Thriving in challenging conditions with keyhole gardens

• The book Soiled Rotten: Keyhole Gardens All Year Round, which offers a step-by-step guide to creating a keyhole garden

• Keyhole gardens are a sustainable gardening method that originated in Africa and have been used by humanitarian aid organizations to help communities grow their own food in challenging conditions.

• Dr. Deb Tolman adapted keyhole gardening to suit the dry conditions of North Central Texas, and it has proven to be successful in growing a variety of vegetables year-round.

• Keyhole gardens thrive even in extreme climates like Texas by reducing water requirements, using drip irrigation, applying mulch, and using shade structures to protect plants from heat and sun exposure.

• Creating a keyhole garden involves constructing the exterior walls, creating a composting basket in the center, layering the garden with compostable materials, and regularly feeding the garden with kitchen scraps and organic materials.

• With proper care and maintenance, keyhole gardens can provide an abundance of fresh produce, save water, and lower grocery bills.

• “People often underestimate the potential of sustainable gardening methods like keyhole gardens. You don’t need to spend excessive amounts on groceries when you can grow your own fresh produce right at home.” - Dr. Deb Tolman

• Dr. Deb Tolman

• The SILO Project

• Texas Co-Op Power magazine

• Ace Hardware

sustainable gardening, keyhole gardens, Dr. Deb Tolman, SILO Project, Clifton Texas, challenging climates, fresh produce, drought resistant gardening, water conservation, composting, mulch, shade structures, step-by-step keyhole gardening, Soiled Rotten: keyhole gardens all year round

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