FAQ'S

Do you offer discounts?

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We offer the following discounts:

-USA military/Veteran

-senior (65+)

-first responder 

-Established Farm

-certified master gardener

-Certified Landscapers and Contractors: apply with "BECOME A PARTNER" tab on website.

*Discounts cannot be combined

All discounts are 5% off Dirt Lockers.

Please email a copy of your ID/other to info@dirtlocker.com to receive a discount code to use at checkout.

Military qualifying document examples but not limited to:

*LES (paystub) or at least the top demographic portion of it 

* DD214

* Certificate of eligibility (COA) used to qualify for a VA Loan but summarizes military service

* VA statement of service (only for veterans, not active duty)

*Signed memorandum from their unit commander 

*Driver’s license with active or veteran status 

*VA card

We also offer discounted pricing for bulk orders in packs of 25 (1 pack of 25) and 100 Dirt Lockers® (4 packs of 25), financing options through Klarna, and free shipping on orders over $500 in the contiguous USA.

Dirt Locker is pleased to provide discounts to eligible customers as seen on from the list above, or during promotional events. Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate price adjustments or fulfill coupon codes once an order has been completed. For customers seeking additional Dirt Lockers, a returning customer discount may be arranged with the submission of before and after photos. * These images may be used for upcoming promotional campaigns.

If you need assistance with acquiring a discount before placing your order, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer support team at info@dirtlocker.com. We are here to help and make your shopping experience as seamless as possible.

**PLEASE BE AWARE** Do not use any unsolicited coupon codes or purchase any Dirt Locker® product outside our website as there are several sites falsely advertising Dirt Locker®. We are the ONLY distributor. content

How do I prep my slope, and what tools or equipment do I need?

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Prepare the slope adequately by clearing it of sod, green grass or any green vegetation. Dead weeds and organic debris can be left as they will decompose naturally under the Dirt Locker system.

Address any deep divots and ruts by raking them out and filling them in. Working on a level surface facilitates a smoother installation process. It may be beneficial to introduce additional soil to the area to even out any irregularities. In cases of severe erosion, it is essential to amend the slope before proceeding further.

When creating a series of connected rows, Dirt Lockers cannot work around established plants. Transplant them for later Dirt Locker use if necessary. Dirt Locker rings can be used for existing plants but will remain isolated and not attached to the system as a whole. Another option is to create a scattered design if you wish to keep your existing plants. View this configuration option here.

Always ensure to deactivate sprinklers or irrigation systems in the designated area at least a few days prior and refrain from working on drenched soil from recent rains.

DO NOT USE LANDSCAPE FABRIC: In order for the Dirt Locker® system to work effectively, the plants need to have the ability to grow their roots down into the hillside, therefore preventing future erosion. Any material besides the natural dirt on the hillside, will prevent the plants from rooting. However, for cells that you are designating for steps, you can use a landscaping fabric either on the bottom of the cell, or on top of the soil prior to filing your step with stones, gravel or a stepping stone. See installation guide for this step.

Supplies needed:

  • 3lb metal mallet
  • 2x4 plank of wood
  • gloves
  • 4 ft level
  • Dirt Lockers
  • J hooks
  • Topsoil
  • Plants

Optional equipment:

  • Wheelbarrow
  • 5 gallon buckets for soil
  • Shovel
  • Drip irrigation
  • Mulch
  • Decorative stones for steps
  • Solar lights
  • Bird bath/feeders
  • Critter fence or gopher mesh

How many J hooks (metal rebar) do I need to anchor the system and what size do I need?

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That depends! J hook quantity is based on your Dirt Locker size which is based on your slope angle. The best thing to do is use the 1st calculator here to get a complete estimate. Remember, they are sold separately, so don't forget to add them to your cart.

Click here to access our J hook placement diagram, illustrating the strategic positioning for J hooks tailored to various sizes of the Dirt Lockers. Please take note of accurate positioning to prevent errors during the installation procedure.

Dirt Locker rings do not require J hooks. International customers are encouraged to source their own metal rebar hooks locally to save on shipping costs.

Size:

Chose the size that best fits your soil type. You can view the 3 different sizes we offer on our shop page here.

What is the best soil to use, and how much do I need?

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The Dirt Locker® works in conjunction with any type of soil across the globe from condensed clay, to rocky, sandy, or silt, you name it! Therefore, the best soil for backfilling your Dirt Locker® system is going to be closest to the native soil that exists on the slope, and if possible, to mix in some compost matter at 25% compost 75% native soil. If that is not possible, we recommend 75% topsoil, and 25% compost or similar mixture. A nursery could give guidance if you are still unsure on what is best to use in your specific region. As your plants grow within the nurturing aid of the Dirt Locker®, it will start to change the composition of the soil underneath the system to much richer, nutrient dense soil. Be sure to fill your Dirt Lockers to the top as soil settles. Every year, check on your soil and mulch levels, top off as needed.

For rocky soil that may be difficult to install the J hooks, we recommend drilling into your soil using a 1/2” drill bit 16-24”L to get the depth you need to secure the system in place. You can also insert J hooks at horizontal angle as seen in this video.

Calculate soil quantity in cubic feet by multiplying .375 by Small quantity, 1 by Medium quantity, and 1.5 by Large quantity. Divide total cubic feet by 27 to get total cubic yards.

*The online estimator tool will do this for you.

Example: 30 LARGE Dirt Lockers:

30x1.5=45 cubic ft/27=1.6 cubic yards of soil

How do I accommodate for uneven terrain, bends, and slopes steeper than 35°?

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Be sure to disconnect any or all Dirt Locker rows from the row above when installing on uneven terrain, dips or around a curve. Steeper slopes of 36°-45° must always be installed entirely as individual or separate rows as to not add any extra pressure on the center slot causing a misshapen Dirt Locker® to form. Separate rows on a steep slope allows each piece to sit level, ensures vertical walls of each Dirt Locker®, and helps keep each piece flush to the ground. Please account for 30%-50% more J hooks for these types of slopes.

You do not want a "V" or wavy shape by forcing a connection. If this occurs during installation, be sure to review the chart to ensure you have the right Dirt Locker® size and width, then remove the row tab from the center slot, and secure it to the hillside with a j hook. This will allow you to transition around a corner or curve by disconnecting each "network", or row, from the row above it to prevent distortion. It is the roundness, or "C" shape that give Dirt Lockers their strength. Keep in mind, if you have a varying slope that requires both the medium and large Dirt Locker® sizes, they are interconnectable.

Watch the separate rows application here and here.

Can I make steps? How should I design or configure my Dirt Locker® garden on my sloped yard? Can you design it for me?

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We offer a professional live zoom consult service with our founder Mark, who will guide you on your estimate, design and installation practices that will be tailored to your exact hillside needs. A portion of your consult fee will be applied to your Dirt Locker purchase.

Or, consider getting a digital rendering of your future hillside garden by providing a picture of your blank slope.

With Dirt Locker®, you can get as creative as you want designing your system to fit the needs of your slope or your imagination! Click here for 12 common designs that accommodate several different slope types, but don't feel limited by these options as the Dirt Locker® system is incredibly versatile.

Dirt Lockers can be tailored to suit your budget by dividing the slope into manageable sections. If needed, you can effortlessly incorporate additional Dirt Lockers later by initiating a new row of J hooks. This method provides flexibility for your schedule, and planting timeline.

Additionally, if you want easy access through out your Dirt Locker® garden, we recommend adding a zig-zag stepping path. Click here to watch the steps below.

Avoid utilizing Dirt Lockers solely for constructing a gravel staircase, as the system relies on plant roots to reinforce the slope. It is imperative that 50% to 70% of the entire system be planted and adequately cared for consistently.

When incorporating an access pathway within your hillside garden, designate cells for a stepping path in a horizontal or diagonal pattern for safe stepping. Landscape fabric can be used here. Always fill 3/4's with soil first, add a cutout of fabric, then top off with a layer of decorative stones or pavers. Be sure to have placed a J hook on both sides of each Dirt Locker in the stepping path. When soil settles over time on your in your stepping path, top off with more stone (or stepping material of choice).

If you've opted to add irrigation, we highly recommend the drip irrigation system to target the units growing plants to conserve water and save money on your water bill!

Share your unique designs with us on social media by tagging @dirtlocker_official, or email your photos to info@dirtlocker.com!

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