Problem Slopes? Try Terraces!

If there's a slope or incline on your property, you can turn it into a lovely garden oasis. No longer a weedy eyesore, the area could be a lovely flower garden. A vegetable garden would be a great option also. In spite of the rugged terrain, the slope can become a lovely planted area, turning a liability into an asset.

Turn The Terrain Into Terraces

A terraced slope can be positively breathtaking. Having terraces also provides more options on what can be grown in that area by providing a level area for planting. It also makes it a lot easier to walk and work in the garden area when the area is level. Making terraces, however, is unquestionably a lot of work. It can also be expensive depending on the materials used.

It used to be that railroad ties were considered a good source of material for making retaining walls for terraces. They're not used so much these days, however, and especially aren’t recommended for organic gardens. The problem is the creosote used to preserve the wood. Contact with creosote can irritate the skin because it's a toxic substance. Creosote fumes have been known to irritate the respiratory tract.

To sum it up, the stuff is pretty nasty. Apart from the fact direct contact isn't good, the stuff can also leach into the soil and water. Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, and if creosote is in the soil, they can absorb that also. If it's vegetable plants, then you eat whatever they've absorbed. With all those problems, creosote treated lumber for your terracing just isn’t a good idea.

Use Safe Wall Placement And Materials

If it's a small project with just a little bit of a slope, the new landscaping boards such as those found at Gardens Alive! which are made out of recycled plastics are an option. For all but the slightest of slopes, use bricks, concrete blocks, modular retaining wall blocks or stone. The different masonry options require varying levels of expertise, so be sure you know how to build walls with the materials you opt to use.

The amount of slope the hill has will dictate the height of the walls since the beds must be level. Obviously, the higher the walls, the sturdier they need to be, and well anchored. Anchor large terraces into the sides of the slope securely. They should also have proper drainage.

The walls of the terraces must bear all the weight of the soil behind them, which will increase even more after a rain. Walls must be built properly, or they will bow outwards or even collapse.

It's a big task to build terraces, and if you feel it's too much to handle, there are landscaping contractors that can do the work for you. There would be more expense, of course, since you’ll not only have to pay for the materials, but their labor as well.

Get The Soil In Shape For Plants.

Due to erosion, slopes often have poor soil so it’s a good idea to enrich the soil before planting. To provide a better growing medium for your plants, add some compost, well-rotted cow manure, rich loam, peat or other amendments into the soil. Keep in mind what sort of plants you intend to place there. Some actually like poor soil, and if you're planting those, you don't want to enrich the soil too much.

After the soil is ready, choose your plants, whether flowers or vegetables (DirectGardening.com - Offers quality plants at great prices). Along the tops of the walls is a good place for plants that vine so they can trail down over the sides.

Make Terraces For A Beautiful Landscape.

Creating terraces on a slope is a lot of work. Sometimes it's also a lot of expense. However,it’s a great way to eradicate an eyesore, improve your land, and provide another place for an organic garden full of flowers or vegetables.

And your landscape can never have too many plants.