Herb Spiral

The permaculture icon: a 5×5 spiral that stacks Mediterranean dryness at the top and moisture lovers at the base — 15 herbs in one build.

SpecialtyIntermediateYear-roundherb spiralpermacultureculinary herbssmall space

5 × 5 cells·21 plants·0 elements·2 m²·Zones 5a–10b

About This Template

An herb spiral is a three-dimensional trick: a stone spiral rising to about a meter at its center creates a whole hillside of microclimates in two arm-spans of garden. The top is sharp-drained, sun-baked Mediterranean scree — rosemary's favorite address, with lavender and thyme just below. Winding down the ramp, conditions soften through oregano, sage, and savory territory into the middle altitudes where hyssop, tarragon, dill, and basil sit in richer, moister soil. The base is the water table: parsley, chives, and cilantro on the damp lower curve, mint and lemon balm at the shaded foot, and watercress at the traditional wet toe of the spiral where a small basin catches the runoff. Every herb gets the drainage, sun, and moisture it would choose for itself — in a footprint smaller than a dining table.

Benefits

1Fifteen herbs with contradictory needs thrive in two square meters
2Height does the work: drainage at the top, moisture at the base, automatically
3The stone mass stores day heat, sheltering tender herbs on cold nights
4Everything is reachable from the path without stepping on soil
5A one-weekend build that becomes the garden's centerpiece

Growing Tips

1Build roughly one meter high and two wide with a rubble core for drainage
2Fill the top third with gritty, lean soil; enrich progressively toward the base
3Set a small basin or bucket pond at the foot for the watercress
4Face the spiral's opening south so the ramp sun-bathes evenly