🌿 How to Build an Herb Wagon Wheel Garden
Grow, Process, and Profit from Your Herbs
There’s something both poetic and practical about building an herb garden in the shape of a wagon wheel. Beyond its rustic charm, the design encourages smart plant separation, easy access, and an ideal structure for drying and harvesting your own herbs—whether for personal culinary use or as a stepping stone into small-batch herbal sales.
At our Simples & Worts Herbal Apothecary (as a part of 1782Farm.com), we’re always blending tradition with opportunity. This time, we’ll walk you through:
Constructing your own wagon wheel herb garden
Choosing the right herbs for culinary use or resale
Harvesting, drying, and processing herbs properly
Packaging and monetizing your herb harvest for a cottage industry
🛠️ Building Your Wagon Wheel Garden
Step 1: Location & Layout
Pick a sunny spot that gets 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Your soil should be well-drained—or start with a raised bed.
Step 2: Materials
One salvaged or replica wagon wheel (or build one from rot-resistant wood)
Landscape fabric
Good quality garden soil or compost mix
Bricks, stone, or recycled wood for edging (optional)
Step 3: Design It
Lay the wheel flat on the soil. The spokes naturally divide the circle into triangular segments—each one is a mini herb bed. Line the area with landscape fabric to deter weeds.
Step 4: Fill & Plant
Fill each segment with soil. Then assign herbs to each wedge based on their compatibility (see next section).
🌱 Choosing the Right Herbs
When choosing herbs, consider two factors:
What your kitchen will love
What local markets or customers will buy
Best for Culinary Use & Kitchen Drying:
Basil – Pesto, tomato dishes
Oregano – Mediterranean blends
Thyme – Poultry seasoning
Chives – Eggs, salads
Parsley – Universal garnish and herbal oil base
Sage – Roasts and herb butter
Rosemary – Infused oils, grilled dishes
Mint – Teas, desserts, mojitos
Best for Resale in Herbal Bundles or Teas:
Lemon balm – Calming teas
Lavender – Sachets, beauty products
Chamomile – Dried tea flowers
Calendula – Infused oils and salves
Echinacea – Wellness teas
Hyssop – Digestive teas or tonic blends
✂️ Harvesting & Drying Your Herbs
When to Harvest:
In the early morning, after dew dries but before sun gets intense
Just before the herb flowers (when oil concentration is highest)
Drying Methods:
Air Drying: Tie herbs into small bundles and hang upside down in a dark, dry place with good airflow
Dehydrator: Works well for small, resinous herbs like rosemary or thyme
Tray Drying: Spread on screens in one layer; rotate daily
Storage:
Store dried herbs in labeled glass jars away from sunlight. Avoid plastic—it traps moisture.
💼 From Garden to Market: Creating a Cottage Industry
Once your herbs are dried and stored, you’re ready to explore value-added herbal products. Here are a few ideas:
Product
Dried Herb Bundles
Herbal Teas (Loose Leaf)
Culinary Herb Jars
Herbal Vinegars
Simples & Worts Sampler Packs
What You Need
Ribbon, label, kraft paper
Blends of mint, lemon balm, etc.
Glass jars, custom label
Fresh herbs, apple cider vinegar
5 herbs per set with recipe card
Pricing
$5–$12 each
$6–$10 per tin or pouch
$7–$15 each
$8–$18
$18–$30 per set
🧠 Marketing Tips for Resale
Join a local farmers market
Offer free tastings or sample sachets
Create a Mini Herb CSA (Community Supported Apothecary)
Use Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or link through 1782Farm.com
📦 Processing & Packaging Supplies List
Dehydrator (for rainy days)
Glass jars or kraft paper pouches
Labels and logo stickers
Heat sealer for pouches
Airtight bins for storing dried bulk
🛒 For Advanced Homesteaders or Small Business Owners:
If you're looking to go professional, track your yields and product sales using spreadsheets or software. Join our Track #2 Pro Channel to explore:
Creating barcodes
Cottage Food Laws in your state
Bulk herb pricing and sourcing
Co-packing and fulfillment options