Rayland, your idea of terracing is one way to do it but probably a lot of work. Instead of doing all that work what about putting in swales 3-4 meters apart? You can also plant trees, shrubs, vines and grasses on the downhill side of the swale.
Mike

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your answer and suggestion.Well I didnt know what a swale was but I do now,thanks to the Internet so I learned something new today.I dont think that is the answer to our situation tho.The slope is not that steep and I solved the water standing after rains at the bottom by filling in with about 15 pick up loads of soil.But I am going to look further at the swale idea first.Work doesnt bother me as i have a great wife and kids to help,my wife and i built our 7 room brick house ourself, she mixed the cement and sand and I layed the bricks.I am a missionary here and not much finances to work with.
Verl

Planting trees where water stands might help, too. A grown tree can suck up thousands of gallons of water.

The swales are a good idea, & less work than terracing. Anything that will slow down the run of water will help. Even planting just clover will help.

Sue

Thank uou Sue for your suggestions also.Well I have solved the water standing problem by getting about 16 pickup loads of soil and it rained just after and what little areas that we missed we filled those.The slope is really not as bad as some people have.I have started yesterday turning the soil at the top 1 metre wide accros the slope.I havent decided exactly what we are going to do but i will probably do that all accross the slope.Yes we will be planting trees and what ever other wonderful plants we can find here.We have planted hedges all along the fence.You all have given me plenty ideas so far and I appeciate it.My wife and I are not afraid of work,whatever it takes will be done.Thank you
Verl

Shalom Rayland

We too have slopping land on our property and we have handled this in part by making our gardens perpendicular to the water flow though we still loose the garden in early spring and late fall because of the water is so extensive (mulching becomes extremely important for saving top soil but doesn't always work). Also we have planted in bushes and trees throughout to slow the flow through gardens and this year we are putting in a circular herb garden for the same reason (also the slow the wind). Still one day we plan to dig a trench and create a creek that will run through our garden to relieve the stress of the excess water and channel this water away from the main vegetable gardens so we use them year round. We also plan to direct this water down this meandering man made creek and into a duck pond L-rd willing.

Shalom,
C & C