Some of the most satisfying projects I take on are the ones that seem impossible at first glance. Recently, I was invited to reimagine a small, sloped corner of an urban yard. At first, the space didn’t look like much—just a narrow patch of ground enclosed with fencing. But it had two key advantages: more than eight hours of sun each day and access to water from a nearby spigot. That was enough to spark the idea that we could transform this tricky little spot into a productive kitchen garden.

Photo Credit Eden Hansen

Working With Constraints

Every site has its challenges. Here, the slope was the biggest one. On top of that, there wasn’t much room to work with, and we were getting a late start—the project could not be completed until June, when most summer crops are already in the ground. Instead of seeing those as roadblocks, I saw them as an opportunity to get creative.

I knew that terracing would be the key to making this garden work. By creating two levels, we could not only stabilize the slope but also carve out enough flat space for raised beds.

The Design

I designed a simple but efficient layout: a 6x4 rectangular raised bed on the upper level and a keyhole bed on the lower. The keyhole design is one of my favorites because it maximizes planting space while keeping everything within easy reach. Around each bed, we made sure to leave two feet of space for comfortable pathways.

Accessibility and function were the driving forces, but beauty mattered too. A terraced layout naturally creates a sense of structure and rhythm, turning the garden into a focal point instead of just a utilitarian food patch.

Building the Garden

To prepare the site, a contractor built the foundation with lumber edging, weed fabric, gravel, and a small lumber retaining wall. We then installed the cedar beds—two inches thick for durability—filled them with a raised bed mix from Veterans Compost, and finished the space with clean gravel paths. The clients rebuilt the existing deer fence themselves, which helped complete the enclosure and protect the crops.

Even though we were planting late, we went ahead with peppers, summer squash, and herbs, and we even managed to squeeze in a couple of cherry tomato plants. These heat-loving crops don’t mind a June start, and they rewarded us with a strong first harvest season.

Why This Garden Matters

What excites me about this project is how much it shows the potential of small-space gardening. With the right design, even a sloped urban corner can produce real food. The terracing turned a problem (the slope) into an asset (two levels of beds). The keyhole bed demonstrated how design choices can squeeze the most out of a limited footprint. And the late start proved that it’s not always too late to plant—you just need to choose the right crops.

The Results

By the end of the season, the garden was thriving. The terraced beds looked neat and inviting, the pathways made the space easy to care for, and the keyhole bed became a natural focal point. What started as a narrow, awkward slope has become one of the most striking small gardens I’ve designed.

Looking Ahead

This garden is set up to keep producing season after season. With compost-rich soil, strong cedar beds, and plenty of sun, it will support many more harvests. And because the layout is so accessible, it will be easy to maintain over the years.

Lessons Learned

Small spaces can yield big results: Even tight, sloped sites can become productive gardens with smart design.
Terracing solves multiple problems: It stabilizes slopes, adds visual structure, and increases usable planting space.
Keyhole beds maximize access: They allow gardeners to reach the center without stepping on the soil, keeping plants healthy.
Late planting isn’t a dealbreaker: Choosing the right crops can still produce a successful harvest, even if you start mid-season.
Function and beauty can coexist: With thoughtful layout, even a small urban garden can be both practical and visually appealing.

Small-Space Success