The vegetables are usually cultivated in shallow beds. However, this is not possible in all regions, especially in the somewhat hilly or mountainous areas, the gradient within the garden area can be considerable. This article is intended to give you some suggestions for the sensible and aesthetic design of a vegetable garden on a hillside.
There are a few things to consider when creating a vegetable garden on a slope
Advantages and disadvantages of a hillside location
Anyone who owns a plot of land on a slope and perhaps also builds their house above the slope can look forward to a wonderful view. Especially when a particularly beautiful view of the surrounding landscape is possible from the terrace at home. But even those who have their house in the middle of a slope or even under the embankment are happy about the advantages: Here you have a great view of your own garden - but others don't. The atmosphere is very sheltered and intimate. A kitchen garden is best planted where the sun's rays are highest. This is usually the case at the crest of the slope. However, we do not want to hide the fact that hillside gardens also have serious disadvantages:
- Depending on the angle of inclination, the property can hardly be worked on without stairs.
- In addition, extensive construction measures often have to be carried out.
- This applies, for example, to retaining walls that are intended to prevent the slope from slipping.
- The lighting conditions are very different in hillside gardens.
- Not all areas are suitable for a vegetable garden.
- Sometimes certain areas are even difficult to maintain: Here the vegetation has to be left to itself.
- Watering a hillside garden is difficult.
- While the crest of the slope is often dry, the water collects at the foot of the slope.
- Ergo, good drainage must be dug into the ground.
Design options for a hillside garden
An evenly shaped slope with a low slope does not need to be worked too hard. Light modeling is often sufficient here, for example by building a single retaining wall. This then shifts the garden to two levels, for which one can be used for the vegetable garden and the other for flowers, perennials and relaxation. If the terrain is steeper, you can terrace the slope more with the help of several low walls, i. H. there are flat steps. Stairs provide a connection between the individual terraces.
tips
However, if the height to be overcome exceeds one meter or more, the railing must be braced more strongly. Stones placed dry (e.g. with a dry wall) are then no longer sufficient. Depending on the height, you will then need concrete foundations.