So that the colorful variety of herb plants in the herb spiral unfolds beautifully, the correct orientation is important during construction. You can find out why this is so and in which direction the shapely world of herbs should point here.
Which orientation is ideal for a herbal spiral?
The optimal orientation of a herb spiral is to the south in order to benefit from sufficient sunlight and warmth. This creates different climate zones within the spiral in which different herbs can thrive.
Why is alignment so important?
The special effect of a herbal snail is based on the different climate zones. The legendary Hildegard von Bingen recognized that plants only reach their full potential under perfect conditions. Permaculture took up these findings and implemented them, among other things, in the herbal spiral.
Within four climatic regions, native and immigrant herbs find an ideal microclimate. These extend from the water and wet area at the base through a temperate region in the middle to the Mediterranean, dry-sandy section in the upper center of the spiral at a height of 80 to 120 cm.
If the base with its ground-level water area faces north, east or west, the majority of the sun-hungry herb plants are in the shade for most of the day. It is therefore obvious why experts advocate so vehemently for a southern orientation.
There is no alternative to north-south orientation – tips for choosing a location
A north-south orientation alone is not enough for your herb spiral to become a highlight in the garden. Only with a combination of the ideal conditions at the location will the aromatic planting meet all expectations. Therefore, choose the location according to these criteria:
- Sunny location with at least 6 hours of sunshine in summer time
- Warm and wind-protected location
- Area diameter from 250 to 350 cm
The end of the spiral points south, so that the temperature and light conditions within the herb bed regulate themselves naturally. If you use a dry wall made of natural stones for the design, it can store heat from the sun, which is given off to the herb plants during cool night hours.
Tip
Only when filled correctly will your herb spiral benefit from the correct north-south orientation. To ensure that Mediterranean herbs thrive in the high- altitude center, a lean, dry mixture of garden soil and sand is beneficial. Towards the base, the sand content gradually decreases in favor of topsoil and compost.
