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Herbs from your garden
How to build a herb spiral
Whether in a salad, quark, oils, sauces or cocktails, everything tastes a lot better with some fresh herbs. Having your own herb garden is a practical way to ensure that you always have tasty aromatic herbs at hand at all times. But when do herbs grow best? As every variety has different needs, a so-called herb spiral is an ideal space-saving option and makes for a wonderful eye-catcher in your garden. We show you how to build a herb spiral step by step.
What you need to build a herb spiral
- Gravel
- Natural stone
- Potting soil
- Special soil for herbs
- Protective membrane
- Pond liner
Natural stone for the herb spiral
Whether granite, shell limestone or other stones, natural stones not only look great, they are also useful: They give off their stored heat to the herbs and give them extra energy.
How to build your herb spiral
- Choose a sunny spot for the herb spiral, as most herbs need plenty of light and warmth. You should not build the spiral too small, otherwise the different plants will not be able to flourish. Depending on how many herbs you want to plant, the diameter should be about three metres.
- First scatter sand to mark the outline of your herb spiral. Focus on creating the shape of a snail shell. The spiral should later open to face the south. Then dig the surface of the soil to the depth of the spade.
- Fill the areas with a 10 cm thick layer of coarse gravel. This creates the foundation for the wall and prevents waterlogging later on. Now the first row of stones is laid in the shape of a spiral with two coils. Build the spiral-shaped supporting wall as a dry wall without mortar.
- Next, fill the area with coarse gravel again. It is a good idea to build a 50 cm thick layer in the centre of the spiral. Then gradually build the spiral using stones and soil. The highest point should roughly be at waist level so that you have the kitchen herbs within easy reach.
- Using a special soil for herbs for the layer of top soil (15-20 cm) creates the perfect foundation. Set out the potted herbs, then remove from the pot and plant, gently pressing the root ball in the process. Then water thoroughly.
How to plant your herb spiral
At the top:
Plant Mediterranean herbs that love being in direct sunlight here, e.g. rosemary, lavender, oregano, thyme, marjoram and mountain savoury.
In the middle:
Plants that like moderately moist and warm conditions do well here, e.g. dill, chives, sage, parsley, garlic and curry plant.
At the bottom:
These herbs prefer moist and shaded conditions: Watercress, borage, mint, chervil, lemon balm and coriander.
In the border area:
Plants such as water mint and sorrel thrive here.
How to create a pond for your herb spiral
A small pond at the bottom of the herb spiral is not a must, but it has a positive effect on the climate and draws in the eye. How it's made:
- First dig a hole that is about 40 cm deep for the pond.
- Pour in a 4 cm thick layer of sand at the bottom of the hole and cover it with a protective membrane.
- Cover the hole with pond liner and weigh it down at the edges with stones.
- Finally, fill with water.
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