A sloped site and permanent beds — a perfect match!

Water standing between the beds is an indication the site was developed improperly.

It is not imperative that all beds be level with each other. It is important, however, that each bed be level. For example, on a slope where the long axis of the beds run across or perpendicular to the direction of the slope, each bed is constructed on a slightly different elevation. While the beds are not level one with another, each bed should be level. This is an important consideration because soil moisture and, to a lesser extent, mineral nutrients (especially nitrogen) flow downhill. In a level bed, gravitational forces are distributed evenly across the bed.

In order for irrigation water to be applied evenly, as in the case of drip irrigation, and distributed uniformly in the soil profile, the bed must be level. The bottom line is this: if your beds are not level, expect non-uniform crop growth.

On a hillside, terraces should be constructed for the raised beds. Hillsides make better sites for permanent raised bed gardens in one respect – they seldom have drainage problems. Therefore, if the site is extremely sloped, don't worry. With a little extra planning and preparation, a negative situation can be turned into a positive one.

If large numbers of beds are planned in close proximity to each other, or if converting a hillside into a terraced garden is being considered, seek the help of someone with surveying skills. If slope is not taken into consideration during site development, there is a very real chance some of the beds will be left standing in water after a rainstorm.

On small sites where only a few beds will be constructed, a line level is adequate for determining slope and leveling the site for individual beds. For larger areas, a surveying instrument or leveling instrument is preferred. Don't underestimate the importance of leveling the site and providing for drainage away from the garden. A little time invested in site preparation will insure convenience and peak performance for years to come.