Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi there i have just taken over a new allotment and there is loads of high grass and i want to put in some raised beds about 6 inch's high.The plot is on a slight slope can anyone advise me o0n the best way to start getting this ready....and do i need to do anything different as its on a slope..Pictures would also be a great help many thanks glenn

Hi there and welcome to the forum,

Depending how steep the slope is, I would probably ignore it and treat it as flat. If it really is a hill, then it may be worth treating it as a terraced type plot, As you dig a horizontal space, you end up with a vertical step at the uphill side. If you place a board up to this step, and then repeat the excercise for the next step down. You will end up with a staircase effect with wide steps on which to plant. This also stops the water from running off and is why they use the style in china and india on hillside farms.

If you are just clearing an area of tall grass. Strim it down and cover it with black weed suppressing fabric. That way you can uncover a little at a time and concentrate on small area's, you won't feel overwhelmed and the fabric will help to keep the weds down.

Darren