Gardening on a slope

[CorbinsMama]

I live on a corner with a large wedge-shaped yard. Unfortunately, the only flat part is mostly taken up by a big hemlock tree. I'm using part of that flat area to lay out my lasagna garden, but to make it bigger, I am going to have to go part-way down the slope. It's not steep, but it definitely does go down.

Do you think I'll have a problem? Maybe I should put some hay bales at the lower end to prevent anything washing away?

[GardenStream]

We lived in Germany for a while and there was an old guy who lived up the street and he gardened on a slope. He had the most beautiful garden. It was a pretty steep slope too. He grew tomatoes, zucchini, beans, lettuce, and squash.

I wish I had a picture to show you how wonderful his garden was. It was his entire front yard and so beautiful. The only thing I ever saw him do that was different was he had small terra cotta pots planted in the dirt directly above his tomatoes. I'm assuming that it was an extra water reservoir because the slope of his yard was so steep.

[laohaire]

I have a really steep front yard that I tried to cultivate. I got some patio squares and wedged them in as steps up the slope, so it was possible for me to reach various parts while standing on flat ground and not endangering any plants. It was both useful and beautiful. I got them large enough that I could place both feet comfortably on a square and squat. I did get spaghetti legs if I squatted too long in one place, but that's par for the gardening course.

I said I "tried" to cultivate it... but the slugs won. I know there are things I can do but I have only so much energy, and have prioritized other things now

I don't think I ran into any problems with the PLANTS being on the slope... just me (and hence I installed the patio squares).

[CorbinsMama]

Thanks to you both! I would love to see that garden in Germany. It sounds gorgeous.

Well, we will see how it goes!

[MissSJ]

My garden area is a slight incline. I tried to have a garden two years ago but was VERY unsuccessful. Part of that is probably because my 3yo pulled up most of my plants, which I replanted but they never recovered. I definitely recommend some type of slow watering system or a drip, otherwise the water will roll down the hill. This year I'm trying again and will be lining the garden with a hose with holes in it (that is what it looks like, forget what it is called). Good luck with your garden!

[Owen'nZoe]

Originally Posted by atobols

The only thing I ever saw him do that was different was he had small terra cotta pots planted in the dirt directly above his tomatoes. I'm assuming that it was an extra water reservoir because the slope of his yard was so steep.

Were they ollas? In my last house, I gardened on a slope, and used these and they worked great! (Well, actually, I couldn't afford them, so I just buried milk jugs that I had pulled from the trash and poked holes in - same idea, not as pretty or durable). You fill them with water and the water slowly leaches out, so you don't have as much erosion.

The only other things I'd add is that the more surface you have covered in plants for the whole season, the less erosion you'll have.

[Quaniliaz]

I have a slope at my house, and I've built raised beds on it. They are level, so one side is actually into the ground somewhat, and the other side isn't.

Just thought I'd throw out another suggestion...

[tine1973]

We have a BIG hill - but it gets wonderful sun. Here is what we're doing, based on a recent article in Mother Earth News.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tine05/4488062502/

I built up a little wall using cinder blocks that were here already and we're trying bag gardening! hoping it will hold the soil a little better than if it were loose.....

[lightheart]

Be sure to plant your rows across the hill and not up/down. Might want to not till/dig up the paths, leave the grass for now in the paths to help with erosion, you might have more weeding to do if it does creep into the growing part but you will end up with better erosion control if you leave some vegetation. Use the slope to your advantage too, depending on how steep things are you can plant lettuces and stuff on the uphill side of the plants that will get taller as the seaon goes on that need it a little cooler and in the shade.