A Herb Spiral in the Garden – Fresh Herbs for Herb Enthusiasts

Herb enthusiasts will get the most out of a herb spiral. A herb spiral offers a great way to grow fresh herbs in a relatively small space. It doesn't take up much room and is very easy to care for.

If you can't go without fresh herbs, it's time to get started and build your own herb spiral. The construction is not difficult, and soon, fresh herbs will add that extra touch to your kitchen.

For the herbs in your herb spiral to thrive and feel comfortable, the location should be sunny and sheltered from the wind. Of course, the exact location depends on which herbs you plan to grow. Herbs like chives, parsley, and basil actually prefer the shade. On the other hand, sun-loving herbs like rosemary, thyme, and lavender need plenty of sunlight to grow well.

Once the right spot is found, outline the shape of the herb spiral with sticks. The sticks are then tied together with string, which serves as a guide during the construction of the spiral. The shape should resemble a snail's shell.

Then it's time to get started. At the opening of the herb spiral, the grass is removed using a spade, and the ground is covered with pond liner. This will later be hidden by the stones. Along the string, the construction of the herb spiral is built. Natural stone or clinker bricks are particularly suitable for the construction and also look beautiful.

Once the wall is built in a spiral shape, coarse gravel is used as a drainage layer and is filled into the herb spiral. This drainage layer protects the wall and prevents waterlogging. It gently slopes toward the opening and is then covered with herb soil.

Since a herb spiral consists of four zones, different substrates should be used. The zones range from wet to dry. After that, the soil should be well watered.

Then it's time to add the herbs. In the upper section, which is poorer in nutrients and drier, you'll find space for rosemary, lavender, thyme, marjoram, sage, or savory. At the middle height of the herb spiral, the soil is evenly moist, fresh, and nutrient-rich. Here, lemon balm, tarragon, or chives thrive. In the lower section of the herb spiral, where it can get quite wet, watercress, mint, or water chestnut feel right at home.

The transition between the different sections is gradual, so it’s important to monitor the soil and check whether it's dry, moderately dry, fresh, moist, or wet. The type of herbs to plant should be determined by this observation.