Children's garden How-To Building a herb spiral This garden design maximizes the natural force of gravity, allowing water to drain freely and seep down through all layers leaving a drier zone at the top (perfect for hardy herbs) and a moist area at the bottom for water lovers. The design also creates micro-climates, Some spots of the spiral will get more sunlight, others more shade. Some areas will hold moisture better while the more raised parts offer the chance for better drained, drier soil. By having all of these differences, the spiral enables us to grow plants with different needs in the same, but smaller space. In a typical garden bed or pot, all plants are grown on the one level, so the growing conditions are the same. Finding a spot for your spiral is essential, permaculture design calls for putting those items that require the most attention or provide the most regular use nearest to our living space, this is called zone one, a spiral is most definitely something to put near the kitchen, specially if you are planting herbs in your spiral, because herbs are a crop used daily. Another consideration is that the spiral will need sun. Most herbs like a lot of light, so be aware when putting the bed next to a wall or beneath a tree. In the same breath, having a somewhat sheltered spot, protected from the wind or heavy rains might help with the more delicate herbs. The more of these factors that can be accounted for, the more likely the plants will be successful. Also, concrete jungles are no barrier for spirals! You can build straight on top of concrete or hard surfaces, and of course, spirals make an amazing garden feature. Spirals also allow for easy companion planting. Many herbs have mutually beneficial relationships with other plants, so adding a variety of herbs can be very beneficial to your garden overall.
Materials needed Cardboard, newspaper, weed mat or gravel This will be used to kill weeds, and it will be particularly beneficial to use if you are building your spiral straight on top of lawn. Organic matter such as mushroom compost, worm castings, lucerne, mulch, straw and garden soil to build fertility to feed your garden long term Compost Compost (for planting your herbs into preferably homemade so it will be full of living microorganisms or alternately, a certified organic compost). Mulch (whatever you have available) e.g. lucerne, sugarcane, baled grassy mulch hay, pea straw, grass clippings, leaves, etc. Herb seedlings Or seedlings of anything you wish to plant Rocks for the wall Location & Planting orientate the bottom of the spiral on the northern side, since are in the Northern Hemisphere. When it comes to planting, this will allow you to position your plants according to their sun, shade and water requirements. Building the spiral STEP 1 Measuring up Have someone hold or bang the stake into the central point of the ground where you want to position your herb spiral. To determine the perimeter, stretch out the string attached to the centre stake to mark out your circle, drawing a line in the soil with the other stake or bamboo cane tied on the end of it (or use chalk if you are marking out a hard surface).
STEP 2: Your base if starting on lawn you will need to stop weeds from growing. Cardboard can be used for this purpose to sheet mulch and build the spiral on top. No light = no weeds! STEP 3: Construct the wall structure Using your edging material of choice, start laying your bricks/rocks on the outer edge and working inwards to create a spiral shape, allowing about 0.5m (1.6 ft) width to plant into or adjust if making a smaller spiral. Tip: Save your best looking materials for the outside face and the not so good looking ones to those that will not be seen on the inside of the spiral.
If using heavy rocks or stone, you may prefer to dig a shallow trench around the circumference of the circle and lay these into it on top of a layer of cardboard or weed mat to prevent weeds. If using the dry stone wall method (no mortar used), you may find it easier to add your organic materials as you go to provide support Once you have your basic shape laid out around the circumference, add a second tier of bricks, remembering the outside wall of your spiral is lowest STEP 4: Add your organic materials & nutrition for each of us this will be different, depending on what you have easy access to. Some people only add mulch or straw to their herb spiral and plant into pockets of compost. If you re on a tight budget or this is all you have access to, then this system of growing soil will work fine but dead dirt is unlikely to bring you a successful outcome!
Also, adding gravel and smaller stones as you build your spiral will minimize the quantity of organic material required, add the rubble to the centre where the depth is greatest before adding organic matter. Some Information on herbs Basil enjoys full sun and moist soil. It is the crux of pesto sauce and is included in many other dishes, such as Thai curry. It s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, as well as promotes good cardiovascular health. Plant it mid-way up on the sunny side of the space. Chives like the sun but can withstand a little shade. They are great sprinkled over beans, soups, omelets, and baked potatoes. Chives have cancer-preventing antioxidants and help the heart and bones. Plant them mid-way up the spiral on the east or west side of the structure. Coriander/Cilantro digs the morning sun then cooling down in the afternoon and wants for well-drained, rich soil. It s a must in Mexican cuisine and makes a salsa sparkle. It s very good for the blood and has antibiotic properties. Stick it on middle rung on the sunrise side of the spiral. Dill is another fan of morning sun with a healthy tolerance for afternoon shade and does well with a decent dose of water. It goes great with beans, anything creamy, and of course pickles. It s a good source of calcium and helps prevent bone loss. It grows pretty tall, so place somewhere where it will not block sun for other plants. Lemon grass
wants for plenty of sun and less water. It makes a dandy tea, goes well in soups and Asian cooking, and is mosquito deterrent. It helps with stomach issues, arthritis, aches, and fevers. Plant it on a higher along the sunny side of the spiral, mindful of it not blocking out the light for other plants. Mint for those who can grow it, is a wildly successful and invasive, water-loving plant. It pairs well with peas, makes fantastic drinks, and produces a nice jelly. Medicinally, it s a magical plant for battling nausea, headaches, and respiratory ailments of all sorts, including asthma. This one goes low, near the pond. Oregano likes things on the drier, sunnier side of life. It is well-versed herb, with experience in cuisines the world over, and the health benefits of oregano are multiple in its strengthening of the immune system. Place it high on the spiral, where the water can drain and there is plenty of sun. Parsley prefers things a bit cool, so might do well on the shadier side of the spiral. While it is usually just a garnish, it actually makes some fantastic salads and really adds a fresh punch to sauces. It freshens breath and provides important nutrients like vitamin C and iron. Put it away from the sun to keep it cooler. Rosemary can tolerate a little cold and does best in sandy, well-draining soil. It is another classic herb for most, very strong in flavor and fantastic for roasting. It boosts memories, brightens moods, relieves pain, and improves circulation. Plant on the less sunny side of the spiral, high enough for the soil to drain. Sage is an accommodating herb to grow, with the ability to handle diverse soil and climate. Its uses are many, including great stuffing, delicious tea, and the spiritual cleansing of spaces. It prevents chronic diseases, powers the immune system, and stimulates the brain. It likes welldrained soil and oregano, so these two would make great spiral neighbours. Tarragon wants sunlight and dry feet. It is great for salad and salad dressings, as well as infusing vinegars, oil or butter. Great for sufferers of rheumatism or arthritis, great at stimulating the appetite, and the oil works on worms that enter the body. This another one to put high in the spiral but in the shelter of other plants. Thyme is another herb that can take lower temperatures and sandy soil, and it can deal with a little shade as well. It s kind of like a subdued rosemary, with a similarly evergreen taste but a little more subtlety in its flavor. The same old, same old it helps the respiratory system, circulatory system, and prevents chronic disease. Plant it near the rosemary, give them both a little sandy soil and shade to play in.