Spiral Herb Garden

Spiral Herb Gardens are like the gift baskets of Permaculture—most everyone takes one home after an introduction to the subject. However, when we begin to dig into the gift that is Spiral Herb Gardens we find that they resemble Pandora’s Box. The layers of information expand exponentially in relation to the diameter, height, location, orientation, elevation, soil structure, drainage, building materials, climate, and plant selection of your Spiral Garden. I consider this gardening technique as the Permaculturalist’s master key for opening your mind to sustainable living.

Spiral Herbs Gardens utilize 9 out of the 12 Permaculture principles [1]:

2. Catch and Store Energy – Water drains from the top of the spiral to the small pond at the bottom.

3. Obtain a Yield – Sixteen different herbs have been included in this design.

5. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services – Orienting the garden with the pond to the North (in the Northern Hemisphere) will keep the water cool and slow down evaporation.

*Orient the pond to the South in the Southern Hemisphere

6. Produce No Waste – Sheet mulching rebuilds the soil through biological decay.

7. Design from Patterns to Details – The spiral resembles a mountain or hill.

8. Integrate Rather than Segregate – Moist soil on the bottom level with well-draining soil at the top level allows for Mint and Rosemary to be grown in the same system.

9. Use Small and Slow Solutions – The base of the spiral requires 78.50 feet squared.

10. Use and Value Diversity – Flowering plants are integrated with herbs because they attract beneficial insects.

11. Use Edges and Value the Marginal – The spiral shape creates many edges while the height of the plants and frame create micro-climates.

Add time into the mix and this technique accomplishes the remaining 3 principles; Observe and Interact, Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback, and Creatively Use and Respond to Change.

When choosing a location for your Spiral Garden, be mindful of Permaculture zones; try not to have it too far from the kitchen. The ideal location is Zone I (the area directly surrounding your house) and in a sunny spot.

Video on Spiral Herb Garden Construction



The Spiral Herb Garden Chart is a coordinate graph for placing plants in their proper environment. I quantified each plant below with three variables: Cardinal Direction, Soil Drainage, and Soil Fertility. The pond is oriented North in the Northern Hemisphere and South in the Southern Hemisphere. Soil Drainage and Soil Fertility change at each level of the spiral.

Soil Drainage: 1 – Moist soil, poor drainage; 2 – Medium drainage; 3 – Dry soil, excellent drainage.

Soil Fertility: 3 – High fertility; 2 – Medium Fertility; 1 – Low Fertility

For example, Watercress is N,D1,F3 which means it needs to be on the North side with moist, fertile soil.

Plant Coordinate 1 Watercress N, D1, F3 2 Mint N, D1, F3 3 Marigold W, D1, F2 4 Parsley W, D1, F2 5 Calendula S, D2, F2 6 Lemongrass S, D2, F2 7 Thyme S, D2, F2 8 Dill S, D2, F2 9 Chamomile S, D2, F2 10 Tarragon E, D2, F2 11 Turmeric E, D2, F2 12 Milk Thistle E, D2, F2 13 Cilantro N, D2, F2 14 Chia W, D3, F1 15 Oregano S, D3, F1 16 Rosemary 0, D3, F1

References

[1] Telford, Richard. 2012. Essence of Permacultur: A summary of Permaculture Concepts and Principles Taken from ‘Permaculture Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability’ By David Holmgren [pdf]. Retrieved from http://permacultureprinciples.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Essence_of_Pc_EN.pdf