Clear all vegetation from the project area. Rake the area thoroughly. Eliminate divots, ruts, and bumps in the terrain. Create a smooth, level surface.

Position J Hooks 1 to 3 feet below the ridgeline. Secure each J Hook halfway into the soil using a mallet. Refer to the chart for spacing indicated in red. Place 1 J Hook for each Dirt Locker®, plus an extra at the end of the top row. Use a string for alignment to maintain a straight line.

Assemble the Dirt Lockers with the matte side facing out. Insert the CELL TAB of one Dirt Locker into the CELL SLOT of another. If using them as individual half circles, skip this step. Install single Dirt Lockers with 2 J hooks and 2 metal stakes in your desired location.

Note: Always assemble your Dirt Lockers matte side out, working left to right. Place 1 J Hook on the left side only. Then use the alignment tool to shape your curve.

Bring 1 complete row up at a time, or follow the alignment tool method above. Place the top row of Dirt Lockers over the J Hooks at the intersections. Remove 1 J Hook at a time. Replace it in the same spot, aiming the long end down the hill through the cell slot. Push the J Hook to the round edge of the CELL SLOT. Repeat for every intersection.

Important: Be sure to offset rows to form scallops.

Use a mallet to tap garden pins into each hole in the front of the Dirt Locker®. Your Dirt Lockers will be secure at 4 different points. The Dirt Lockers will expand with soil. Keep pins somewhat loose to prevent warping.

Watch this video for the 3 points of leveling. Use a 2x4 and mallet to level each piece throughout the process. If your Dirt Lockers tip forward, tap the back ends into the hill. If the Dirt Lockers angle upward, tap the front edge into the hill.

Spacing Tip: Use the straight edge as a guide. Make contact with the row above. The end tabs measure exactly 3 inches apart, which is the necessary spacing.

Backfill with topsoil. You may fill one row at a time, or use a soil blower for larger projects. Keep the soil loose. Compaction is not necessary. Allow soil to settle before topping off. If the Dirt Lockers become misshapen, adjust the front metal stakes and J Hooks as needed.

Designate cells for a stepping path in a horizontal or diagonal pattern. Ensure safe stepping only after the system is fully set up. Incorporate steps while following the minimum planting requirements.

Important: Step on the soil-filled area, not on the Dirt Locker edge.

Keep 50% to 70% of your Dirt Lockers filled with plants at all times. This is crucial for hillside stability. Soil settling is normal, especially with compost. Saturate with water. Let it settle, then top off before planting. Annually replenish soil. Use organic topsoil and compost for best results.

Use drip irrigation for optimal water efficiency per plant. You can also utilize existing sprinklers. Watch the video for detailed instructions.

Document your installation and share your results!