In today’s project, we took an eco-friendly approach to creating a healthy, nutrient-dense soil layer by chopping up our clover and using it directly as a natural fertilizer. Think of it as building a “sandwich” of organic goodness for the life within the soil. Here’s the breakdown of the process, plus a few tips to keep your garden healthy and organized.
Step 1: Chop and Drop the Clover
The clover was grown for its nitrogen-fixing properties, and rather than removing it, we chopped it into small pieces, leaving it right on the surface. This “chop and drop” method feeds the soil with the clover’s nitrogen, enriching it naturally without chemical inputs.
Pro Tip: When the greenery gets dense, like a mini jungle, it’s a good idea to mark important spots in your garden. For example, we used an old sunflower stalk to flag our chive area, which helps to prevent accidentally losing or covering plants we want to keep.
Step 2: Lay Down Your Base Layers
After chopping up the clover, it’s time to build our soil layers. For this, we’ll start with two layers of paper, which acts as a weed barrier while allowing nutrients and water to filter through over time. This barrier ensures that the nitrogen-rich “sandwich” lasts longer and keeps unwanted weeds at bay. Next, a layer of compost is spread on top of the paper, creating a nutritious medium that will break down slowly and continue enriching the soil.
Step 3: Planting for a Productive Herb Spiral
With the base layers in place, your herb spiral is ready to go! The clover roots continue to feed nitrogen into the soil, and the paper provides ongoing weed suppression. Now’s the perfect time to add any seedlings or herbs you’ve been nurturing, like cherry tomatoes, dill, and rosemary. Simply use a hori-hori or spade to dig small holes, drop in your plants (pot and all), and you’re set!
Final Touches and Long-Term Care
As time passes, the paper will decompose, allowing deeper-rooted plants to establish themselves while keeping weeds under control. This setup provides a low-maintenance but high-yield herb spiral, filled with nutrient-dense soil for seasons to come.
With this method, you’re not just planting herbs—you’re building an ecosystem that will thrive and sustain itself. Happy gardening!
