STEP BY SYEP

1

MARK OUT THE CIRCLE

Set aside a sunny area of the garden approx 2x2m (6½ft square). Rake soil to a fine tilth. Hammer stake into the centre of the area. Attach 1.5m (5ft) string to the stake and use it to inscribe a circle around the stake.

2

DIG OUT THE CIRCLE

Use a spade to excavate a small trench around the circumference of the circle. This needs to be at least the same width as your salvaged bricks (approx 9cm/3½in). Pile the soil into the centre of the circle and remove the stake.

3

LAY THE BRICKS

Lean the bricks against each other in a ‘sawtooth’ pattern around the trench. Repeat for the top layer, resting the bricks end to end. Use a soft mallet to adjust the bricks; their weight should be sufficient to hold them in place.

4

TOP UP THE SOIL

Add more soil, enriched with wellrotted organic matter, to top up the raised bed ready for planting. Many herbs prefer a well-drained soil, so add a small bag of horticultural grit if your soil is heavy clay.

5

GET PLANTING

Add a small bay tree to the centre of the bed as a focal point, then fill in around it with your favourite herbs for the kitchen, and water them in. This bed contains fragrant basil, sage and

Helichrysum italicum (curry plant).