I’m always on the lookout for clever ways to squeeze more plants into my small backyard. When I stumbled upon the idea of herb spirals, it was like striking green gold!
Today, I’m thrilled to share my journey of creating one.
Get ready to transform your garden and have fresh herbs just steps from your kitchen door!
Way to Grow: How to Make a Spiral Garden
1. Choose the location
Proximity to home
I can’t stress enough how important it is to place your herb spiral near your house. Trust me, you’ll be much more likely to use those fresh herbs if they’re just a few steps away from your kitchen!
Sunlight requirements
Find a spot that gets plenty of sunshine. I made sure my spiral was far from trees and shrubs to avoid root competition and maximize sun exposure.
Soil and space considerations
Look for a relatively level area. My garden is on a slope, so I had to level out a small section first. It was totally worth the extra effort!
2. Gather materials
Bricks or stones
I used about 125 bricks for my 5-foot diameter spiral. You could also use stones or even wood if that’s what you have on hand.
Soil and compost
Mix garden soil with compost. I used a 50/50 blend of soil and farmyard manure compost. It smelled earthy but boy, did my herbs love it!
Additional supplies
Don’t forget to grab some cardboard if you’re building on grass. It’ll help suppress those pesky weeds underneath.
3. Plan the design
Determining dimensions
My spiral is about 5 feet across and 23 inches tall in the center. If you live somewhere hotter, you might want to go taller for more shade.
Considering sun position
Think about where the sun sits in your sky. Here in the Northern Hemisphere, I made sure the lowest point was on the north side for natural shading.
Adapting to your climate
Remember, the size and height can be adjusted based on your climate. Hotter areas might benefit from a taller spiral for more shade.
4. Mark out the spiral
Creating the spiral pattern
I had a blast sprinkling flour to mark my spiral! You could use bricks or stones too. Just make sure your growing space is at least a foot wide.
Directional considerations
In the Northern Hemisphere, work clockwise. It’ll ensure your lowest point ends up on the north side. Flip this if you’re down under!
5. Lay the foundation
Placing the first layer of bricks
Start by laying your first layer of bricks along your marked spiral. This is the foundation, so take your time to get it right.
Ensuring stability
Don’t skip this step! A solid foundation prevents erosion and keeps your spiral looking great for years to come.
6. Build up the structure
Stacking techniques
As you stack, move inward every couple of bricks. I moved in about 1.5 bricks each layer for a gentle slope.
Creating height gradually
I ended up with seven bricks high in the center, tapering down to just one at the start. It created a beautiful, natural-looking spiral.
7. Fill with soil
Mixing soil and compost
Remember that 50/50 mix? Fill your spiral to within a couple inches of the brick tops. Your herbs will thank you for this rich bed!
Proper filling techniques
Smooth the soil from top to bottom, creating a gradual slope. This helps with drainage and creates those mini microclimates.
8. Add mulch
Choosing the right mulch
I topped mine with an extra inch or two of compost as mulch. It retains moisture and feeds the soil – a win-win!
Application methods
Spread your mulch evenly, making sure not to bury your herbs. They need to breathe too!
9. Plant the herbs
Selecting appropriate herbs
Avoid mint family plants – they’ll take over! I planted sage and thyme at the top, with parsley and chives at the base.
Planting based on microclimates
Put Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme up top where it’s drier. Save the bottom for moisture-loving herbs like parsley.
10. Maintain the spiral
Watering techniques
I use two watering cans – one from the top and one from the bottom. It ensures even moisture distribution throughout the spiral.
Long-term care and harvesting
With proper care, your herb spiral will last for years! Regular harvesting encourages growth, so don’t be shy about using those fresh herbs.
Creating my herb spiral was such a rewarding project. Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s incredibly practical too. Give it a try – I bet you’ll love having fresh herbs at your fingertips as much as I do!