Topic: Soil for a herb bed

[caroline7758]

Having cleared out some plants, I'd like to turn the space into a herb bed. It is raised and surrounded by bricks and in sun most of the day, so I think it should be ideal, but I haven't added anything to the soil in years and it is very dry. Is there anything that is particularly good for herbs?

[manicscousers]

you've got good soil for some herbs, rosemary, thyme, sage etc as it is, annuals like it a bit richer and more moist

[bupster]

Exactly what I was going to say - herbs prefer poorer soils as far as I can remember so you should be ok.

[Deb P]

I'm thinking of doing a herb spiral Caroline.....the soil where my old shed was is very poor, and I've got some spare bricks and stones......

http://welcometovoluntarysimplicity.wordpress.com/2006/12/10/how-to-build-a-herb-spiral/

[caroline7758]

That looks nice- unfortunately my bed is a boring long thin rectangle so can't do anything very imaginative.

[posie]

I'd love to do something so imaginative - but I probably won't! So instead I'm going to use the wheelbarrow that died on me, going to paint the outside and plant them all in that, its already got rusty holes in it so drainage is fab! lol  :D

[Deb P]

Aha, I have one of those already........ ;D 8)

[bupster]

I love that herb spiral idea. I've got a big space with poor soil currently full of couch and brambles that I keep meaning to clear but it looked like a lot of hard work for little return on my time (still loads to do on rest of plot). That's really something to aim for now, and I'll try to put in half an hour every time I'm up there (so expect a final result in about a decade!)

[Kea]

......
and I'll try to put in half an hour every time I'm up there (so expect a final result in about a decade!)

i know exactly what you mean, i have a similar spot which i plan to plant herbs currently full of nasty weeds including bramble. Everytime i get partway there something else needs attention and they're all back again. i filled a rubble bag today with nettle, couch, dock etc and only cleared about a metre square.