Edging Garden Beds
Edging garden beds creates a subtle outline or boundary that separates the enclosed space from the surrounding area or lawn. Edged beds enhance the appearance of the landscape, lend a neat and formal touch to the garden and prevent weeds from spreading into the enclosed area. Edging options include metal, plastic, stone, brick, block and timbers, allowing homeowners to choose the one that complements their personal style, budget and house exterior. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Powdered chalk
- Measuring tape
- Shovel
- Metal or plastic edging
- Hacksaw
- 8-inch-long metal spikes
- Hammer
- Garden hose
Instructions
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1
Clear any obstructions such as stones, rocks or plant debris from around the garden bed. Outline the garden bed in your desired shape using powdered chalk. Depending on personal preference, spread the chalk in straight lines to form a square, rectangular or angular outline, or in a circle for a rounded edging option. Measure the length of the chalk outline with measuring tape.
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2
Insert the tip of the shovel into the soil at the corner of the outline and begin digging to form a trench 1/2 inch shorter than the plastic or metal edging but as wide. A slightly shorter trench allows the top of the edging to stand out above the surrounding soil. Lower a piece of edging in the excavation and adjust the depth by adding or removing soil, if necessary.
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3
Lower the plastic or steel edging into a corner of the trench, with the attached spike pockets adjacent to the lawn. Place another length if it falls short until you work your way around the bed. To break excess edging, form a vertical cut with a hacksaw and bend the point in opposite directions until it breaks.
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4
Score the steel edging lightly with a vertical line made with a hacksaw so it bends easily along a curved bed. Also form a 3/4 to 1 inch vertical cut at one end of the line that weakens the edging. Lower it into the trench and hand form it to conform to the required angle.
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5
Insert spikes to the pockets provided in the edging. Pound the spikes so they penetrate the soil below and firmly grasp the edging to prevent it from shifting.
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6
Fill any gaps around the edging with garden soil. Tamp the soil and moisten it with a light spray from a garden hose.
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Tips & Warnings
If installing rocks for edging, lower the rocks in the trench at your desired height. For brick edging, dig a 6-inch-deep trench and spread a fine layer of sand over its base to assist drainage.
