How to Landscape a Sloping Garden

A sloping area in any garden can be a challenge for even the most experienced gardener. Terracing is an excellent solution to this problem. It can be very stylish when a dry stack stone wall is built to hold the terracing. This stone wall not only adds a decorative element to the garden but also warms the soil through the transfer of heat from the stone to the soil. This can allow the gardener to plant sooner and grow longer into the season. The terracing itself also protects the plants because it causes cold air to follow the terraced area instead of settling on the plants.

Graph paper
Pencil
Ruler
Shape or sod cutter
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Well-seasoned compost
Garden rake
Stone from rock quarries or yards
Plants of choice
Mulch
Irrigation such as soak hoses or drip irrigation

Instructions

- 1
  
  When drawing out the design, make sure it is to scale.
  
  Draw out the design of the terrace on graph paper using pencil and ruler.
- 2
  
  The turned over grass will turn into humus.
  
  Cut sod using a spade or sod cutter and lay back down on the soil with grass side down. Cover the area with well-seasoned compost.
- 3
  
  A simple shovel is all that is needed to cut the terraced area.
  
  Cut the terrace design into equal-sized beds using a shovel. Smooth the soil surface with a garden rake.
- 4
  
  Make sure the wall leans slightly to hold the soil in the terraced area
  
  Following the lines of the design begin to dry stack stones into a stone wall. As the wall goes up, make sure that it leans inward or toward the soil to help hold it up. Make sure the wall does not go higher than 20 inches in height.
- 5
  
  When planting the terraced garden area, observe nature for some planting ideas.
  
  Plant trees in the top terrace section and shrubs in the middle level. The lowest level needs to be planted with the smallest plants in the design.
- 6
  
  Mulch will conserve soil moisture and reduce soil erosion.
  
  Place mulch on top of the terraced garden area.
- 7
  
  Laying an irrigation system in the terraced area will prevent soil erosion.
  
  Lay down soak hoses or drip irrigation system in the garden.

How to Get Mulch to Stay on a Slope

What Are the Benefits of Using Cedar Mulch in Huntsville?

Landscaping Basics