Creating a beautiful garden or landscape starts with the foundation – the garden beds. Edging your garden beds is a simple and effective way to enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space. It not only creates a clean and polished look, but it also helps define your garden beds and prevents grass and weeds from invading your plants.
In this article, we’ll show you how to properly edge your garden beds to give your outdoor space a professional touch.
Step 1: Plan the Layout
Before you start edging, take a moment to plan the layout of your garden beds. This includes determining the location and shape of your beds, as well as deciding on the style of edging you want to use. Consider the type of plants you have in your garden and the overall design of your outdoor space.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Once you have your plan in place, it’s time to prepare the area for edging. This includes removing any grass or weeds from the perimeter of your garden beds and trimming back any overgrown plants.
Step 3: Choose the Right Tools
The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to edging your garden beds. For most garden bed edging projects, you’ll need a shovel, a garden rake, a measuring tape, and a hand-held edger.
Step 4: Mark the Edge
Use field marking paint to mark the edge of your garden beds. This will give you a clear line to follow when you’re ready to start edging.
Pro Tip: To visualize the edge, use a flexible garden hose to lay the line before marking with paint.
Step 5: Dig a Trench
Using your chosen edger tool, dig straight down approx. 4″ along your painted line. If you have selected to install a permanent edging, make sure the trench is deep enough to accommodate the edging material you’ve chosen. For a natural trench edge look, dig at an approx. 45-degree angle from inside the garden bed toward your original painted/shovel line. This technique allows for your mulch or landscape stone to naturally fall into the edge.
Step 6: Install Your Permanent Edge (if applicable)
Once you’ve dug the trench, fill it with the edging material of your choice. This can include bricks, stones, metal, or commercial-grade plastic edging, like King Edging.
Step 7: Smooth the Edging
Once your edging is in place, use a garden rake to smooth the surface and make sure the edging is at it’s intended level.
Step 8: Maintain Your Edging
To keep your garden bed edging looking its best, it’s important to maintain it regularly. This includes removing any weeds or grass that may grow in the trench and checking any permanent edging for any signs of damage.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautifully edged garden bed that will enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space. Happy edging!
