Question
HELLO WE PURCHASED OUR HOME ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE DESIGNERS TOOK OUT A HILL BEHIND OUR HOUSE AND LEFT A GOOD SIZE HILL SIDE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO GROW GRASS ON WE HAVE USED GRASS SEED PATCH, AND REGULAR GRASS SEED, AND NOTHING SEEMS TO GROW, IT ALL SLIDES OVER THE HILL. WE WOULD RATHER GROW THE GRASS OURSELVES VERSES GETTING SOD.. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO KEEP THE GRASS IN PLACE AND FOR IT TO GROW, ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED..

Answer
Jill,

One possibility that comes to mind is using some course jute landscape  netting.

(Here's a link to a bad picture of what I'm talking about:
http://www.mrdrip.com/images/Fabric13b.jpg)

This is a groundcover of sorts, but it doesn't work alone. It's used in conjunction with planting, and mulch.  It  slows down erosion, stabilizing the surface of the hillside to allow plants (in this case your grass) some time to get established.  It can help keep a good percentage of mulch in place also,which will help, then, with water retention.

Similar nets are available in plastic, but I don't do plastic. It can turn into a long term hassle. The jute will slowly but surely be breaking down.

You probably can't get this a a normal retail gardening shop. Head someplace that deals with the landscapers in the area.


For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland