In principle, all herbs can be cultivated in a herb spiral. However, you should note the specific requirements of location and soil and also that not every herb harmonises with each other. Wormwood, for example, inhibits the growth of other herbs due to its special root secretions.
Sun loving herbs should be at the top of the spiral
What to look out for when choosing herbs
When selecting the herbs, you should also consider the color and growth habit as well as the question of whether the plants are annual or perennial. You may save planting gaps for annual, colorful flowering species. Sage, rosemary, lavender or blue rue have a particularly beautiful growth form. Wormwood, southernwood, rue, sage and holy herb stand out due to their interesting bluish silvery leaves. Thyme, oregano and sage, on the other hand, have particularly beautiful varieties with golden yellow, reddish or variegated leaves.
Some herbs need to be tightly controlled
Some herbs take up a lot of space or need special protection. Elecampane, lovage and horseradish grow very large and therefore only fit on particularly large herb spirals. Mint and tarragon, in turn, form root suckers and spread widely. They have to be regularly kept in check on the herb spiral so that they don't overgrow other herbs. Caution should also be exercised with nasturtium and comfrey, as they tend to spread. It is well known that basil needs nutrient-rich, moist soil and lots of soil; in addition, the popular kitchen herb is also very endangered by snails. It is therefore best grown in an extra clay pot. Rosemary also needs a sheltered place and should be indoors in winter. If he stays outside during the cold season, you should wrap him up tightly.
The best herbs for the herb spiral
With all the hundreds of different types and varieties of herbs, the choice is difficult. However, you are well equipped with this range, which can be accommodated well, especially in large herb spirals with a diameter of two meters or more:
- Herbs for the top: thyme, marjoram, savory, sage, rosemary
- Herbs for the middle range: hyssop, oregano, vineweed, tarragon, rocket (rucola)
- Herbs for the lower section: parsley, garlic, chives, lemon balm, mint, cumin, dill, lovage, watercress
Furthermore, many medicinal herbs fit into the herb spiral, for example fennel, elecampane, Ziest, verbena, lady's mantle, St. John's wort, yarrow or arnica.
Particularly aromatic and healthy: wild herbs
Many wild herbs provide more vitamins and minerals than conventional fruit and vegetables and can enrich the menu, especially in early spring when the herb garden is still quite sparse.
tips
Monthly strawberries can also be transplanted very well into the herb spiral, as they feel particularly comfortable in the upper and middle zones.