- Why is alignment so important?
- There is no alternative to a north-south orientation - tips for choosing a location
In order for the colorful variety of herbal plants to develop magnificently in the herb spiral, the right alignment is important during construction. Here you can find out why and in which direction the shapely world of herbs should point.
Mediterranean herbs need a lot of sun
Why is alignment so important?
The special effect of a herb snail is based on the different climate zones. Even the legendary Hildegard von Bingen recognized that plants only reach their full potential under perfect conditions. Permaculture took up these findings and implemented them in the herb spiral, among other things.
Local and immigrant herbs find an ideal microclimate within four climatic regions. 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 an altitude of 80 to 120 cm.
If the base with its ground-level water area faces north, east or west, most of the sun-loving herbs lie in the shade for most of the day. It is therefore obvious why experts are so vehemently in favor of a southern orientation.
There is no alternative to a north-south orientation - tips for choosing a location
A north-south orientation alone is not enough for your herb spiral to develop into a highlight in the garden. Only with a combination of the ideal framework conditions at the location does the aromatic planting meet all expectations. Therefore, choose the location according to these criteria:
- Sunny location with at least 6 hours of sunshine in summertime
- 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 stone for the design, it can store the heat of the sun, which is given off to the herb plants during the cool hours of the night.
tips
Your herb spiral only benefits from the correct north-south alignment when it is filled correctly. A lean, dry mixture of garden soil and sand is beneficial so that Mediterranean herbs can thrive in the high-lying centre. Towards the base, the proportion of sand gradually decreases in favor of topsoil and compost.