Mild and Steep Slope Networked

Supplies Needed

Dirt Lockers
J Hooks
Alignment Tool
2 Garden Pins
Topsoil
4 ft Level
Gloves
Plants

Optional Supplies

Step Guards
Landscape Rocks
Pavers
Mulch
Compost
Drip Irrigation
Gopher Mesh
Fertilizer

1
Prep Your Slope

Clear all vegetation from the project area. Rake the area thoroughly. Eliminate divots, ruts, and bumps in the terrain. Create a smooth, level surface.
2
Use String to Space J Hooks

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.

For Steep Slope Dirt Lockers
3
Assemble the Dirt Lockers

Assemble the Dirt Lockers (matte side facing out) at the bottom of hill by inserting the CELL TAB of one Dirt Locker® into the CELL SLOT of another. Add each consecutive piece from left to right to complete your first row. Next add on your second row by inserting the ROW TAB into the CENTER SLOT.
4
Pre-assemble Single Row or Use Alignment Tool

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.

J Hook Placement

Every other row gets 1 J Hook per Dirt Locker® plus
1 on the end (odd rows). The rows in between (even
rows) only need 1 J Hook on the end as the last Dirt
Locker® does not connect to the row above.
6
Tap In Metal Garden Stakes (Pins)

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.
7
3 Points of Leveling

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.
8
Backfill With Soil

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.
9
Optional
Create Stepping Path (Optional)

Designate cells for a stepping path in a horizontal or diagonal pattern for safe stepping only AFTER the system is complete. Always fill 3/4's with soil first, add Step Guard or landscape fabric cut out, then top off with a decorative stones, pavers, or mulch. Be sure to have placed a J hook on both sides of each Dirt Locker® in the stepping path.
Important: Step on the soil-filled area, not on the Dirt Locker edge.
10
Begin Planting

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.
11
Optional
Drip Irrigation (Optional But Recommended)

Use drip irrigation for optimal water efficiency per plant. You can also utilize existing sprinklers. Watch the video for detailed instructions.
12
Take Photos and Share

Document your installation and share your results!