How to Build an Herb Spiral: The Ultimate Space-Saving Garden Design

Our herb spiral

By Dave Whitinger

WHEN VISITORS arrive, the herb spiral is the first thing they see. They always ask: What is this? and Why a spiral? It's fun to explain this innovative design.

Imagine a 25-foot garden row coiled upward into a spiral. Same length, but occupies only a 6-foot-wide circle.

Unlike flat gardens, an herb spiral is three-dimensional. High spots get the most sun and best drainage—ideal for oregano, rosemary, and other sun-loving, well-drained-site plants. The bottom suits moisture-loving, shade-tolerant plants like comfrey. Eastern side gets afternoon shade; western side takes afternoon sun.

Tender perennials thrive on the south side, where winter sun shines all day.

Foundation filled with metal rebar and broken bricks, ready for concrete. In cold climates (zone 5 and colder), deeper foundations are needed. Consult a local landscaper.

We leveled the site, dug a 6" spiral trench, placed rebar on old bricks, poured bagged concrete for foundation. With foundation set, we mortared bricks row by row. Working a couple hours daily, it took two weeks.

Brickwork complete

Consistent with hugelkultur philosophy, wood chunks fill the base. These decay over time, providing organic matter.

After bricklaying, we filled with growing medium. As a hugelkultur fan, I used old wood for bulk—it rots, providing massive organic matter.

Mix good topsoil with organic matter to fill the spiral.

Remaining space: leaves, grass clippings, shredded wood chips, compost, old manure, topsoil, etc.

Herb spiral filled with soil

Finished herb spiral, ready for planting.

The 25-foot spiral perfectly fits a 25-foot soaker hose. Connect garden hose to soaker hose for watering. Herbs are drought-tolerant, so infrequent watering needed. Snip-n-Drip Soaker System lets you cut hose to fit perfectly.

We love our herb spiral. Beyond herbs, we grow vegetables: spinach, lettuce, brassicas, carrots, peppers, eggplants. It's beautiful and right by the house—fresh herbs always close to the kitchen.

Dave Whitinger

About the Writer

Dave Whitinger is a Texas gardener who—with his wife and six children—maintains a 90-acre ranch with animals and large gardens. Creator of Dave's Garden and All Things Plants. Sold Dave's Garden in 2007; now building All Things Plants.