I think it would depend on how much higher...Mine is on a pretty good grade and they work quite well...

can't see that anythng would happen other than the plants would still grow, i've grown on 6% slopes never bothered with making them level.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page

It's not a steep slope...but I'd have to put about 2 bricks on one end to get it level.

so are you saying yours is not level and it still works?

Kel

Running your furrows across the bed or slope or lightly terracing in the bed itself will keep irrigation from washing away topsoil. The lower half of the bed may retain more moisture if the raised beds lies across the slope and the irrigation runs to the lower side of the bed.

Here is a link that might be useful: HarvestToTable.com

Make it as level as possible, you won't regret it. Water runoff is a big problem. All you have to do is dig one side of the bed in a few inches depending on the slope. I didn't do this on the first beds I made, but I learned, and the completely level ones are so much nicer.

Mine are on a slight slope. What i did was build my frames out of 2x6,one 2x6 across the middle to keep them from bowing out and 4'x10' is the size of my frames. You have to stake them. I put 2x6 stakes in each corner, drove them in the ground like legs with a small sledge hammer and then raised the the frames to level on the legs and screwed them. then i filled in the bottom gaps on the steep side and angled sides with 2x 6 or whatever size i needed and screwed them to the stakes also. And your done...

g'day kel,

yes they will still work if level or not.

len

If 2 bricks in height is all you would need to make it level then I'd sure do it. It would be well worth the little extra work just to keep all the watering from pooling at the low end.

Dave

Having built a handful of raised beds, I'd have to put my lot in with the folks who are saying, "Level them, you won't regret it."

It can be a tedious process, but I've found it to be well worth it in the end.

Yes, your garden will "work" no matter what. However, having spent the last year gardening on a slope, the water runoff across the bed is quite annoying.

Thank you everyone for weighing in. Sorry I didn't respond sooner, I got the dreaded flu.

I think you are right and I will spend the time leveling as much as I can.

Thanks again!

Kel