How to Build an Herb Spiral

Herb gardens are popular areas that people sometimes have in their backyards or in their kitchens. Herb gardens are a great way to provide commonly used fresh herbs and spices. An herb spiral is a method of growing herbs that will improve the garden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a spot for your herb spiral. It is best to construct this in the kitchen, because most herbs are freshest when picked during cooking. Planting herbs outside is also a good idea as long as its in an area where the herbs will get plenty of sunshine.

2. Place rocks in a spiral formation from large to small inside the pot or area where the herbs will grow. It is best to have the spiral go in a clockwise pattern. You can build rock walls or simply have a ground level spiral.

3. Put the soil between the spirals and plant the herbs.

4. Plant herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano, tarragon and thyme towards the inner parts of the spiral. These herbs need less water and will survive better on the inside of the spiral.

5. Position the chives, parsley, cilantro, coriander, chamomile, mint and violets towards the outer parts of the spiral. These herbs need more water, and the outer portion of the spiral is where most of the water will be absorbed as it rolls down through the spiral.

Tips & Warnings

• It is OK to add many rocks to the herb spiral, because they generate heat and help maintain water.
• Add a small pond to the end of the spiral if your herb garden is outside. This will also help generate moisture for the herbs and help keep other critters away from your garden.
• Plant outdoor herbs in warm weather. Most herbs will not survive frost or cold weather.

[luciangarro]

on 7/10/2009 Here are some great pictures of an herb spiral at Sweet Local Farm in Ludlow, MA.

http://sweetlocalfarm.com/2009/06/29/how_to_herb_spiral/