If you have trouble working out the shape , you can employ a loosely wound garden hose as a guiding tool . Then , use chalk , stones , paint , or twine to mark the spiral once you ’ re satisfied with the layout .”
HERB SPIRALS
For example , you may want your spiral positioned to show off a decorative element like a pond or statue that you plan to incorporate . No matter the orientation , though , just be sure to pay attention to the different zones you ’ re creating , and remember that a southern exposure will be sunnier , hotter , and drier . Now that you have everything laid out , begin by putting down a layer of stone or other structural material in the shape of the spiral you ’ ve drawn on your chosen spot . Once it ’ s in place , measure to make sure you ’ ve left enough space for the plants and step back to check that your curves look clean and the overall shape is pleasing . Next , start building additional layers , moving along the spiral to increase the elevation gradually . If you are dry stacking stones , intersperse smaller rocks , gravel , and organic material to fill cracks and create even and steady layers . Remember , the finished spiral should be 39-inches tall at the center point . Use the mark you made on the center stake as a guide . Then , begin adding prepared soil to the trench , slowly filling it as the walls of the spiral grow . Slope the soil surface so it ’ s somewhat higher in back where it rests against the stone support wall . Once the installation is complete , water the soil and let the spiral settle for six weeks or more . This is also a good time to include some accessories that will help you manage and monitor your spiral in the coming months and years . To this end , installing a soaker hose assembly is a good option , as is adding a rain gauge or investing in a monitoring system with multiple sensors that will help you understand and control the different microclimates within your new vertical bed .
If you have trouble working out the shape , you can employ a loosely wound garden hose as a guiding tool . Then , use chalk , stones , paint , or twine to mark the spiral once you ’ re satisfied with the layout .”
Now , draw a preliminary spiral using the stakes as a guide . In a six-foot spiral , aim to create three coils : two large and one smaller at the apex . Also , each soil-filled “ level ” you ’ re creating should be 12- to 15-inches wide . You can get away with less , however , if the herbs you plan to plant are relatively small . Also , keep in mind that the reinforcing material you choose will have an impact on the available planting area the spiral contains . If you have trouble working out the shape , you can employ a loosely wound garden hose as a guiding tool . Then , use chalk , stones , paint , or twine to mark the spiral once you ’ re satisfied with the layout . The orientation of the spiral can also be important . It ’ s traditional to place the ground level opening — the beginning of the spiral — facing north . This benefits moisture-loving plants like the mints , sweet woodruff , lemon balm , and watercress , which thrive when grown in mild , north-facing locations . This simple , but effective strategy isn ’ t always the best choice , though .
118 Maximum Yield USA | January 2017