An herbal spiral garden is a fun and practical way to grow many herbs in a small space. It is built in a spiral shape that slowly rises higher toward the center.
This design creates different growing areas. Some spots are dry and sunny, while others stay cooler and more moist. Because of this, many types of herbs can grow together in one garden.
At Roots To Blossom Homestead, building our herbal spiral has been one of our favorite garden projects. It looks beautiful and makes harvesting herbs easy.
In this post you will learn:
• What an herbal spiral garden is
• Why it is helpful
• How to build an herbal spiral garden step by step
• What herbs grow best in it
What Is an Herbal Spiral Garden?
An herbal spiral garden is a raised garden bed shaped like a swirl or spiral.
The outside starts low and slowly rises as it moves toward the center.
This creates:
• Dry soil at the top
• Medium moisture in the middle
• Wet soil near the bottom
This makes it perfect for growing many herbs with different needs.
They are usually built with stones, bricks, or other natural materials.
Benefits of an Herbal Spiral Garden
Saves space
You can grow many herbs in a small area.
Better drainage
Water drains down naturally, keeping roots healthy.
Easy to care for
Different herbs get the conditions they like best.
Looks great
It adds beauty to your garden.
Good for nature
Herbs attract bees and helpful insects.
How to Build an Herbal Spiral Garden
Step 1: Pick a Sunny Spot
Choose a place that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Step 2: Mark the Spiral
Use a rope, hose, or stick to draw a large circle about 5 to 7 feet wide.
Create a spiral shape going inward.
The middle should be about 2 to 3 feet tall.
You can lay down an optional weed barrier at the bottom if you prefer. I chose to lay down cardboard, but it’s not totally necessary.
Step 3: Stack the Stones
Place stones or bricks along the spiral line.
Start low on the outside and stack higher as you go toward the center.
You do not need cement. Just stack them tightly.
Step 4: Add Soil
Fill the spiral with a mix of:
• Garden soil
• Compost
You can use small logs, sticks, and leaves at the bottom to help fill the deepest areas so that you don’t have to use so much soil.
Add a little sand near the top so water drains better.
Water the spiral to make sure there is no sinking of the soil before planting. If the soil settles, simply add more soil.
Step 5: Plant Your Herbs
Place herbs based on how much water they like.
Best Herbs for Each Area
Top (Dry)
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Stevia
Middle
- Basil
- Parsley
- Dill
- Rue
- Cornflower
- Echinacea
- Yarrow
- Holy Basil
Bottom (Moist)
- Watercress
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Lemon balm
This is what I chose to plant in my spiral from top to bottom:
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Stevia
- Rue
- Coneflower
- Lemon Balm
- Holy Basil
- Chives
I decided to make my spiral into a mostly perennial herb garden so that many of the plants come back year after year with minimal work.
A Note About Planting Mint
Mint is a popular herb and grows very well in herbal spiral gardens, especially near the bottom where the soil stays more moist. However, it is also very invasive and can quickly take over your garden if not controlled.
If you choose to plant mint, it is best to keep it in a container placed into the soil or in a separate area where it cannot spread as easily.
Because of how fast mint grows, I personally chose not to plant it directly in my spiral.
Ways to Use Your Herbal Spiral
Fresh herbs for cooking
Herbal teas and simple remedies
Attract pollinators
Make your garden look beautiful
Learn More About Herbal Spiral Gardens
If you would like to learn even more about herbal spiral gardens and natural gardening methods, I highly recommend the book Gaia’s Garden by Toby Hemenway.
This book is where I first learned about herbal spirals, permaculture design, and how to work with nature instead of against it. It is full of practical ideas for creating productive, beautiful, and sustainable gardens.
You can find the book through my Amazon affiliate link here:
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(This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Simple Design Ideas
Use natural stone for a rustic look
Add flowers between herbs
Place a small water feature at the bottom
Herbal & Foraging Disclaimer
The information on Roots To Blossom Homestead is for educational purposes only. Always identify plants carefully before eating or using them for health purposes. Consult a qualified professional before using herbs for medicinal purposes.