Buzz
Every household could benefit from having an herb garden. Having fresh herbs at your fingertips can dramatically change how you cook and eat. While you can purchase fresh herbs, they tend to be pricey, and you often buy them in large bunches when only a small amount is needed. However, if you have fresh dill growing outside, you can easily grab a sprig for a quick potato salad. Fresh parsley is perfect for garnishing pasta, and every chicken I've roasted has tasted even better with a handful of mixed herbs plucked from the yard. Herbs are generally easy to grow, but with so many different types, they have unique needs. Some are tender, some are perennial, and some thrive in shade while others need full sun. That's why an herb spiral is such a fantastic solution — it serves as a functional and beautiful feature for your garden.
Herb spirals offer a harmonious way for both perennial and annual herbs to thrive together.
Designed like a snail shell or spiral staircase, the raised bed spirals inward and upward, with the outer walls curving in a spiral. The interior is taller than the outer edges, creating a winding row perfect for planting. Larger perennial herbs are placed in the center to provide shade and shelter for more delicate herbs, helping them coexist and flourish. The design also makes harvesting simpler, as you can easily walk around the spiral and lean over it to collect your herbs. You can even elevate the spiral so there's no need to bend down.
When planning your herb spiral, start by assessing the space available in your garden.
You can use a variety of materials to create your spiral bed. Common choices are bricks or large landscaping rocks, but you could also opt for wood to create a faceted spiral or use landscaping edging for a more subtle, low-profile spiral. The size is up to you — it could be a compact six-foot by six-foot space or a large, sweeping curve that encompasses the entire garden. The goal is to make sure the spiral is big enough for the herbs you wish to grow while also fitting harmoniously with the design of your garden.
Begin by listing the herbs you want to grow, and keep in mind that some herbs are seasonal, like basil and cilantro, while others are perennial, such as sage and rosemary. Don’t feel limited to the basics — consider adding medicinal herbs, edible flowers, or even tea plants to your list. For inspiration, check out seed companies like Strictly Medicinal and True Leaf Market.
Think carefully about the herbs you want to include in your spiral.
Always factor in your growing zones and the eventual size of the plants. Once you have your herb list, start evaluating where your spiral will go, making sure the space is level and receives full sunlight. Measure the area and then sketch out your spiral on paper, placing the herbs in your design with pencil. Position drought-tolerant herbs at the top of the spiral and those less tolerant of dry conditions lower down. Sun-loving plants should be placed on the north or south side to catch sunlight all day, while plants that need some shade should go on the east or west side for morning or afternoon sun, nestled between hardier, shrubby herbs for protection.
When planning your herb spiral, consider the space surrounding it, as you'll need easy access to walk around. Using mulch like wood chips or gravel will ensure the spiral remains accessible, even during wet weather. Additionally, plan the size of the bed carefully so that you can reach the center to tend to the herbs. Don’t forget to think about watering options — you can integrate drip irrigation into the bed or place it near a hose spigot for convenience.
Begin by constructing a solid foundation for your spiral.
To begin building your spiral, use your chosen materials to create a circular base. Ensure the height of the wall is sufficient, aiming for at least eight inches, though twelve or more would be preferable. While it’s not essential, cementing the walls can add stability and longevity to the structure. Once the circle is built, clear enough stones or bricks from the northernmost point to create a planting row, and use those materials to start the spiral inward. Keep adding layers of material until you reach the center, which forms a smaller circle at the top. Then, fill the spiral with planting soil up to the first layer of bricks or rocks. Consider using pea gravel or other small rocks in the center, as this will improve drainage and stability when you begin planting higher in the spiral.
Once the base bed is filled, start building up the inner spiral walls. Add more bricks or rocks as you work your way toward the center, and fill the inner spiral with additional soil to support the structure. When you reach the top of the spiral, fill the center circle, then tamp down the soil throughout the entire spiral and backfill as needed.
Be mindful of where you place your herbs.
Planting is the most exciting part, as you get to arrange your plants and place them in the soil. Consider adding decorative labels for your plants, and don’t forget to include edible flowers or plants that attract pollinators. Some plants, like creeping thyme, nasturtiums, and chamomile, naturally spill over the sides and hug the walls. Also, think carefully about plants that spread aggressively, such as mint, oregano, and lemon balm — it might be best to leave them out of the spiral and plant them in containers to prevent them from overtaking the space. Give each plant room to grow and avoid overcrowding, as they will fill in over time if allowed.
The more you use your herbs, the healthier your spiral will be.
Some herbs are seasonal and will need replacing each spring. If you let the plants go to seed, some may become perennial, returning year after year. As time goes on, you may add more herbs to your spiral, but be sure to manage shrubbier herbs with pruning. Over time, you’ll discover which herbs you use more frequently and which ones you need less of. To keep the spiral thriving, the key is regular use — so don’t hesitate to harvest and use your cilantro, parsley, dill, and basil generously.
