CharlieBear wrote:You might start with some modification of strip mulching or lasagna gardening. That is about the only thing likely to hold moisture in the soil that won't take 30 years to happen. It looks like you have a serious erosion problem, which means that most of the top soil has washed down the hill, so it is probably also nutrient poor. You might start by planting low ground cover type plants like strawberries to help stabalize the hill. I did that on a similar slope after mulching. Water will likely always be the limiting factor. Have you considered using gray water? (water collected in buckets while you take a shower, the rince water off the clothes washing, the water you rinse vegetables and fruit with etc. I had to revert to that for some of my plants. Out west water is always a problem, not to mention the water bills, in large part because of the sewer charges.
what does modification of strip muching or lasagna gardening mean? could you explain a little bit more?
exactly right, the erosion is so bad, everytime i water, the top soil just came down like crazy. they all piled at the bottom, so frustrating
for the water, i have more question, i did use some rinse vege/fruit water, but sometimes, i am afraid "dirty" water will kill the plants or encourage bacteria/fungus to grow? the shower or cloth washing water has detergent, are they still usable for gardening or you have treat them somehow?
thanks for your help