Gravel foundation prevents waterlogging
If you have decided on a dry stone wall to frame your herb spiral, we recommend a foundation made of coarse gravel or crushed stone. For this purpose, dig the soil deep into the ground during construction and fill in a layer of gravel about 10 cm high. This measure gives a natural stone wall additional stability. In addition, the granular material acts as a useful drainage to protect against waterlogging.
also read
- Instructions for a wooden herb spiral
- In which direction does a herb spiral point? - Tips for alignment
- Use plant stones to build your own herb spiral
Filling the herb snail - this is how it works step-by-step
The cultivation of the most diverse types of herbs succeeds in the smallest of spaces because four climatic zones merge into one another within a herb spiral. At the base there is ideally a small pond, which as a water zone gradually flows into a wet area. This is followed by a temperate region that borders the upper spiral center with a full sun, Mediterranean microclimate. You support the local climatic areas with the following substrate mixtures:
- Water area: Compost soil as a bank substrate with contact to the pond water
- Wet area: loamy garden soil and ripe, sieved compost in equal parts
- Temperate climatic area: Mix of garden soil, compost and sand in equal parts
- Mediterranean zone: garden or herb soil and sand in a ratio of 1: 1
Unless you have your own compost heap in the garden, please use pre-packaged compost or bark humus from the garden center. Herbal plants in the water and wet areas in particular are dependent on a high nutrient content. In contrast, Mediterranean herbs are satisfied with a poor, dry substrate that is not enriched with compost.
14 days waiting time between filling and planting
After you have properly filled the herb spiral, please allow around 14 days to pass. This is the time it takes for the substrate to set. If necessary, refill more soil. Only then do you plant the herbs in the respective climatic zone.
Tips
If your garden is haunted by voles, the voracious pests will not spare your herb spiral. Spread out a close-meshed, galvanized vole wire before laying the gravel foundation and filling the herb snail. Then moles will also leave your herb snail by the wayside.
