Sloping gardens offer little space for plant beds and are therefore not very popular with garden lovers. Another disadvantage: while rainwater collects on the slope below, the upper areas dry out too quickly. Nevertheless, with a little skill and imagination, a hillside property can be transformed into an enchanting garden - raised beds make it possible.
With a raised bed on a slope, ensure even drainage
Build raised beds on a slope - use space optimally
Raised beds are used to support or design slopes, increase the garden area and create harmonious transitions, for example between the terrace and the garden. For example, use the differences in height for a design with several raised beds on different levels. These can be effectively designed in different styles or used in different ways - with raised vegetable beds, fruit and ornamental plant beds.
Sturdy raised beds support slopes
Solidly designed raised or terraced beds prevent soil or other soil material from slipping away in a practical and at the same time attractive way. At the same time, they form level planting areas. You can use natural stones, bricks, concrete blocks, but also wooden poles, beams or palisades to build a sloped raised bed. Basically, you should make sure that the front of the bed is always slightly inclined towards the slope so that it can permanently withstand the pressure of the soil behind it.
Properly stabilize slopes
If the slope is very steep or the soil conditions are extremely unstable, we recommend concrete a foundation with integrated reinforcement bars for the front of the raised beds. This ensures that the construction stands on level ground and cannot tilt or sink. In most cases, it makes sense to call in a specialist for this work.
What to do with very wet soil?
If the bottom of the slope is very damp or wet, it is advisable to additionally stabilize the sloping surface with drainage. To do this, lay drainage pipes under the foundation far behind the front of the raised bed, the outlet openings of which are on the front of the bed. If you also backfill the front side of the bed with loose material such as a gravel-sand mixture, any water that accumulates can be drained away quickly.
tips
Small areas, such as those often to the side of terrace or front steps, are usually planted with groundcover. Here, too, a raised bed offers the opportunity for a visually appealing design. For example, you can stagger the height of the planting according to the slope of the stairs - this creates a natural-looking overall picture.