Garden edging is one of those subtle yet transformative additions to any outdoor space. It brings definition, structure, and a polished look to the garden, all while making garden bed maintenance easier. Whether you’re looking for clean lines to keep grass from invading your garden beds or aiming to create a decorative edge that adds character, the right garden border edging can work wonders. But it’s not just about aesthetics—proper garden border edging also plays a functional role in your garden’s overall health, from maintaining separation between lawn and plants to aiding in soil retention. Today, we’ll take a detailed look at how to install garden edging.
Planning the Area: Where Should Your Edging Go?
Before you start digging up your yard or garden, a bit of planning goes a long way. Decide where you want your garden or lawn edging. Will it be along a straight path or framing the curves of your flower beds? If you're uncertain, grab a garden hose—a simple yet effective way to visualize your borders. The hose’s flexibility lets you experiment with curves, sharp turns, and even soft sweeps until you settle on the perfect design.
Next, measure the perimeter of your garden bed. You'll need these measurements to determine how much material you’ll need. Use a tape measure to get precise linear footage—there’s nothing worse than running out of supplies halfway through a project. When calculating, it’s a good idea to purchase a bit more than you think you need. This way, you’re prepared for unexpected obstacles like large tree roots or irregular soil surfaces.
Preparing the Ground: Digging the Trench
Once your area is mapped out and materials on hand, the real work begins: digging the trench. This step is often where many DIY landscapers trip up. Digging a trench sounds simple enough, but the depth and width of the trench matter for the newly installed edging to feel sturdy. A trench deep enough to keep the edging from popping up when soil shifts or water seeps in is essential. Typically, this trench should be about 3-4 inches deep, depending on your edging material and your soil type.
As you begin, use a half-moon edger or a pointed shovel to cut through the soil. These tools work best for creating neat lawn edges and clean cuts. Keep an eye out for large tree roots or small roots you may encounter—cut through them with pruning shears or a utility knife as needed. For very stubborn roots, a saw might come in handy. Aim to create a neat trench that follows your edging line precisely, avoiding any jagged areas where the edging might shift later.
Once your trench is dug, the soil at the bottom needs to be packed tightly. A moderately damp soil works best because it compacts easily, preventing the edging from shifting over time. If your soil is dry and loose, moisten it lightly before packing. This step is crucial for creating a stable base and preventing movement later.
Installing Plastic Garden Edging
Plastic garden edging is a popular choice for many DIY gardeners due to its affordability, flexibility, and ease of installation. It’s ideal for curved borders, and since it’s lightweight, you can adjust it without much hassle. If you’ve chosen plastic edging, a helpful trick is to leave it out in the sun for a few hours before installation. Warming it up makes it more pliable, allowing you to bend it into tight curves or sharp corners without cracking.
To install, place the plastic edging into the trench and make sure it’s positioned correctly. The top of the edging should sit just above surface level for a clean, sharp look. After fitting the edging into the trench, use edging sticks (available at most gardening centers) to secure the edging firmly into place. Aim to space the sticks about 3-4 feet apart for a snug fit. Once the edging feels sturdy, backfill the trench with the previously dug soil, making sure to push soil against both sides of the edging to hold it in place. Finally, tamp down the soil to eliminate any small gaps where the edging might shift.
Installing Metal Edging: Stainless Steel and Aluminum
Metal edging, whether stainless steel or aluminum, adds a sleek, modern touch to your garden. These materials are exceptionally durable, resistant to corrosion, and ideal for those looking for a decorative edge that will last for years with minimal maintenance. If you want a sharp, structured appearance that won’t shift under pressure, metal is your go-to option.
When installing metal edging, begin by laying it out along the trench. For curves, use a car tire or other rounded surface to help bend the metal smoothly. For crisp, 90-degree turns, a sturdy object like a wood block helps you create clean bends. Once your edging is shaped, snap the pieces together using the connection systems provided—each material has its own specific way of connecting (for example, aluminum edging often comes with connection pieces that slide into both ends).
To install, place the metal edging into the trench and secure it using nails or stakes. You’ll want to hammer them into the ground every 3 feet or so, making sure the edging stays flush with the ground. Once secured, backfill the trench with soil and tamp it down. Metal edging is heavier than plastic, so you won’t need as much backfill to keep it stable, but be sure the soil is tightly packed to prevent any future shifting.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Garden edging installation can be straightforward, but it’s easy to overlook certain details that lead to problems later on. One of the most common mistakes is failing to clear unwanted areas before starting. Roots, rocks, and debris can make it difficult for the edging to sit properly. Clear out large root systems and pack the soil to avoid this issue.
Another pitfall is inadequate anchoring. Whether you’re using plastic or metal edging, make sure it’s securely fastened with nails, stakes, or edging sticks. In high-traffic areas, weak anchoring can cause the edging to shift when walked on or bumped by a lawn mower.
Finally, consider water management. Without proper landscape drainage solutions, water can pool along the garden bed, weakening the edging and causing erosion. Plan for drainage by grading the surrounding soil or using gravel in the trench.
The Perfect Edging for Your Garden
At Vodaland, we understand that every garden is unique, which is why we offer a variety of garden edging options to fit your personal style and landscaping needs. Our plastic edging is perfect for those looking for flexibility and ease of installation, especially in curved or irregular garden beds. For customers wanting more durability, our stainless steel and aluminum edging provide a sleek, modern look with exceptional resistance to weathering and corrosion.
Whether you’re embarking on a small backyard project or working on a larger lawn, Vodaland’s edging solutions offer a decorative edge that not only looks great but also simplifies garden bed maintenance. Our products help keep grass roots and rhizomes from spreading into your flower beds, reducing the time spent on upkeep.
If you're looking for ideas for garden edging, Vodaland has you covered. With a wide selection of premium products, you'll achieve a clean, professional finish that enhances your outdoor space year-round. Let us help you bring your vision to life!
