RAISED HERB SPIRAL

YOU WILL NEED:

Bricks or stones, between 125-140 depending on the size of your spiral Garden soil or topsoil Compost Mulch of your choice A variety of herb plants – you’ll need at least 12-15 plants for an abundant look

1 Pick a sunny spot, ideally not too far from your kitchen door to make the harvesting easier.

2 Level the ground if necessary, and clear away any weeds and grass so you can build straight onto the soil. If it’s very weedy, lay cardboard over the area and build on top.

3 Plan your design by arranging your lower layer of bricks or stones. The lowest end of the spiral should ideally be on the north side to create an area for plants that prefer a little more shade and moisture. The taller your spiral, the more shadows it will cast.

4 For the best growing conditions for your plants, aim for a design that’s up to 2m in diameter and no more than 1m tall. The channels within the spiral should be wide enough to allow space for your plants to grow.

5 Start by laying the bottom level of the spiral, and then, starting one and a half or two and a half bricks or stones in, lay the next level, overlapping each across two below for more stability. Continue until you reach the desired height, or run out. To get the spiral high enough, there will be just one brick at the lowest point and around seven or eight at the highest point. You shouldn’t need to use cement as the soil and, eventually, plant roots will hold the spiral together.

6 Once you’re happy with your design, fill with an equal mix of compost and soil, and add some organic matter such as leaf mould to hold moisture.

7 A final topping of mulch, such as an inch or two of compost, will also keep water in, and the weeds out.

8 Plant your herbs allowing a few inches of space between each one. Although check their preferred growing conditions first to ensure you put them in their happy place.