[kermit]

I need more space in the garden! We have a steep slope down to a fence at back of garden. Currently grassed lawn with a narrow bed along the back fence itself with fruit bushes planted. I was thinking about turning the sides of the garden that lead down the slope (along the side fences) into makeshift beds for
Sweet peas, peas, strawbs and maybe some other stuff. It probably drops 1.5m in 2m. I don't really have an option to level it out. Do you think (with right soil prep) things would grow ok? I presume things will still grow upright?! Maybe need some good supports for sweet peas and peas. Ta.

[bigben]

The slope will not do much to the plants - it might make it a bit harder for you to look after them but they will still grow. Look at how they grow rice in little terraces on the sides of hills - give it a go.

[Hobnails]

That's a helluva slope Kermit. If grass and weeds will grow it's logical that other plants will. I would be wary of growing anything across the slope that might hold back cold air and moisture rolling down the slope. In Perthshire, I suppose  you can expect frosts for some time yet? But it should work, but uyou might need a safety harness or crampons while digging. Good Luck!

[mumofstig]

which way does the slope face, if southerly they will give you good beds for growing early strawberries and salads
You may struggle to grow much if they are north facing, though

[kermit]

Due north!  Sure is a great veg spot  however whole garden is north facing but still manage to grow stuff. It does get sun in summer as it's not otherwise shaded so when sun is high it hits the slope. Will try for strawbs and maybe some peas (just because no room for them elsewhere and 5 year old son will be devastated if we don't do any!). Roll on allotment - 4 years on list and still no sign   Thx folks.

[N.WalesIdealist]

Try cutting some steps into the slope, and grow on tiers?  Might make a nice Strawberry bed that.

[kermit]

Yea might try that. Prob is that it is a new build house so under the lawn is just rock and no proper topsoil. Digging my raised beds almost killed me!  Will be worth it as it's annoying enough having to mow the grass on the slope!

[N.WalesIdealist]

If it's shallow top soil, here's what you do.

Take the turf off the slope and put it to one side.

Mark out where you want your steps to be and drive in some iron or steel rods 18inches down and 24inches apart, leaving above the height of your proposed steps.  Remember the top of the step must be level with the bottom of the next one, otherwise you'll have slopey steps.

Rest against the exposed rod timber planks, these are the vertical walls of the tiers.

Return the turf to the slope, grass side down, and top up with compost, you shouldn't need too much, and using compost is a good idea as the soil on new build estate isn;t always great quality.

[Trillium]

I'd go with the cut-out step beds idea as well. Once you take away the grassy bits, any loose soil will run downhill in the next rain because you've got a very steep slope there.

Suggest you take the time through this summer to create proper beds rather than rushing into it this year. The slope is of little use as it is, so do it justice. And those gardens you see on French and Italian hillsides are all stepped beds.

[kermit]

Hmm, good advice.  Thanks for the tips on constructing the steps too.  Might see if I can blitz something over the next few weekends.

[Growster...]

So much easier to tend though! Much less bending etc!