Garden beds are one of those backyard projects that you’ll never get tired of, and garden bed edges are the part of your garden bed that you need to finish off to make it look all pretty.
But sometimes, garden bed edges can be difficult to keep looking neat and pretty all summer.
This blog post will share some tips on how to edge your garden beds like a pro, which will help you achieve your desired look.
What is Edging in Gardening?
Edging in gardening is the act of creating a clean, crisp line around garden beds and other landscaping features.
You can do it with various materials, including bricks, stones, concrete, or plants.
Edging serves several purposes: it looks attractive, defines the edge of the bed, and helps to keep mulch and soil from spilling out onto the lawn.
There are several ways to edge a garden bed.
One popular method is to use bricks or stones: place them on their sides along the edge of the bed, spacing them evenly, and ensuring that the top of each one is even with the soil surface.
Another option is to use concrete edging, which comes in various colors and styles.
You can install it easily by simply pressing it into the ground along the edge of the bed.
Why is it important to have an edge on your garden beds?
Edging is an essential characteristic that can make or break your garden beds when gardening.
Proper edging will keep your plants from spilling out of bed and will also help to define the bed’s shape. You can make it from various materials, including bricks, stones, or wood.
Edging is especially important in raised garden beds, as it helps keep the soil in place and prevents it from eroding.
It can also help control weeds, as it creates a physical barrier between the weed seeds and the plants you want to grow.
If you’re not using edging in your garden beds, now is the time to start!
It’s a simple way to improve the appearance of your garden and will help you get better results from your plants.
Steps to Create Edge in your Garden Bed
Step 1: Start to create a layout in your garden beds.
Before you can edge a garden, you must first plan it out. Choose between a curved edge and a straight line.
Curve your edges for a more natural look; choose a straight line for a more formal design.
To lay down a straight line, place two stakes in the ground and string a line between them.
It’s the only method to get a perfectly straight line.
If you’re curving the edges of your landscape, you’ll need to put a little more care into it. You need to use a garden hose and experiment with placing it on the ground, changing its curve.
To soften the hose, place it in the sun for a few minutes before using it. Also, don’t worry if the hose does not lay precisely flat.
The hose is only for a rough outline; the finished edge will be much smoother.
Step 2: You will need a tool.
To edge a garden or modify existing edges, use an edging shovel.
They’re easy to control, have a deep edge, and are multifunctional because you may also use the edging shovel for cleanup.
Use a half-moon edger as an alternative.
Many people prefer half-moon edgers. Thus, it is truly a personal choice.
Either of these tools will suffice for the task.
Step 3: Transfer the shape.
After drawing your line or curve, it’s time to transfer it to the grass.
In this step, your only goal is to walk along with your plan while pressing your edge tool into the ground with your foot.
All you need to do is leave a modest footprint in the grass for the time being.
Once you’ve transferred the form of your garden edge onto the grass, remove the line or hose you used to define the arrangement.
Step 4: It’s time to dig deep.
It’s time to go back and dig a little deeper now that you’ve carved out the contour of the garden bed with your preferred edging tool.
Repeat the previous step. However, this time puts additional pressure on the edge with your foot. Dig approximately 5 inches deep.
Deep edges offer you a more defined edge and are easier to maintain.
Step 5: Create an Angle Cut.
After you’ve dug in along the form, you’ll need to make an angle cut on the interior of your garden edge.
It entails twisting your body 180 degrees and sinking a 45-degree angle into the edge.
This step is to make digging out and removing the edge easier.
Make an angled cut along the whole inner length of your edge, using your foot to press the edging tool into the ground.
Step 6: Pull out and dig in.
It’s time to return to your original position after performing your angle cut.
Dig your edging tool into the edge you’ve outlined once more.
Pull the grass out this time by digging it with the edger and tilting it back and forth a few times to separate it.
Then take the material out of the way and position it in front of your edge.
Step 7: Clean the mess.
It would help if you now had a visible, well-defined edge with grass clumps or strips laying in front of it.
Take a final glance along the length of your edge to ensure that the form is to your satisfaction. It’s now time to make any necessary modifications or smooth out any rough areas.
Finally, clear the recently excavated grass using a rake and shovel.
Step 8: Trim the Edge using a string.
After you’ve edged a garden with your edger tool, the next step is essential to achieving a truly professional, manicured appearance.
To begin, go around the border and string trim it like you would when cutting your lawn.
The first pass involves trimming grass growing straight up and down, as is customary.
When string cutting along the plant bed margins, walk counterclockwise around your property to keep grass out.
Make a second pass after the first one, but this time turn the edger on its side, so the string is cutting perpendicular to the edge.
This step aims to remove any grass that has grown into the newly formed edge.
It will take some work to perfect this method, but once you do, you’ll be able to create incredibly crisp edges.
Step 9: You can now add mulch or stone.
It would be best if you had a clear, sharp edge at this time.
Following the edging of a garden bed, the next step is to add mulch, stone, or any other aggregate you intend to use.
You might be able to get away with only raking some of the current mulch or stone up to the new edge if you’re altering an existing bed.
Make sure it’s a couple of inches below the top of your edge, no matter what material you use.
It will create a striking contrast between your edge and the mulch or stone beneath it.
Final Statement
Edging your garden beds is an easy way to improve the appearance of your garden and make it look neater.
It is also a great way to keep mulch and soil from spilling over the edge of the bed, which can help to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
There are a variety of materials that you can use for edging, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
If you have any questions, be sure to ask a garden professional for advice.
Following the steps provided in this blog will help you create beautiful, well-defined garden beds that will add interest and style to your landscape.
Reference:
Image from thisoldhouse.com
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