Things You'll Need:
- Hose or rope
- 2 stakes
- String
- Half-moon shovel or flat shovel
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Step 1
Make cutting lines for your edge. For curved edges, use a garden hose or rope on the ground to mark where you want to start your edge. For straight edges, use two stakes pounded in the ground and string tied between them to mark your edge.
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Step 2
Use a half-moon edging tool or a straight-edged spade to cut along the line. Cut a few inches at a time, about 4 to 6 inches deep. Make the cuts straight down.
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Step 3
Cut another line several inches away from the first, closer to the bed. Angle it toward the first line and connect it at the bottom. Remove the grass or sod in between. Make sure that the trench slopes away from the bed, and it's at least 3 inches deep.
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Step 4
Don't fill the trench with mulch or other fillers. Keep it empty so grass can't spread easily. This also helps keep roots exposed and discourages weeds.
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Step 5
Use a weed trimmer to trim the edge during the growing season. Remove any soil or debris that ends up in the trench due to rain or settling. You may need to re-edge every year.
