How to Edge a Flower Bed

Last Updated June 14, 2023

Flower bed edging makes a difference in the look and presentation of your garden. When you create a distinct border around your flower beds, you make your yard look pristine and well-groomed. Edging also helps keep rogue blades of grass and lawn weeds from invading your carefully cultivated flowers.

You can edge your garden bed in many different ways. Depending on the methods and materials you choose, the finished product may look soft and relaxed or crisp and formal. Here’s how to edge a flower bed to create a border that reflects the effort you put into your garden.

Choose the Right Tools

Before you start digging away, be sure to choose the right tools.

The following are four standard tools to edge a flower bed:

Spade

To use this tool, line it up and step down where you want the edge. Using a spade can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is one of the least expensive options.

Half-Moon Edger

This tool can help make crisp edges but, similar to a spade, is also labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Manual Lawn Edger

Also labor-intensive and time-consuming, this tool creates nice-looking edges faster than half-moon edgers do.

Electric or Gas-Powered Edger

These are made for making edges and nothing else. This will be your most expensive option, but many believe that this is the best way to edge flower beds because minimal labor and time are involved, yet great results are produced.

Mark Out the Flower Bed

To establish a boundary between your lawn and garden bed, lay out a string, or mark the grass with spray paint. Then, cut around the flower bed with your chosen edging tool.

Remove the Existing Grass or Vegetation

Remove the loosened soil and grass with a shovel. You can easily remove loosened turf by hand, too, but be sure to remove all existing grass or vegetation. The goal is to create a crisp and clean edge at a 90-degree angle.

Dig a Trench

Once you have cleared all loosened soil, grass, or vegetation, start digging the trench. Dig about three to four inches deep. You want to dig deep enough to create a vertical wall. This wall will support the edging.

Install the Edging and Fill in the Trench

When you edge a flower bed, it’s essential to add a decorative border that boosts curb appeal. There are many options for finishing the edge, so you can choose one that aligns with the style and function of your flower beds.

Some of the most popular options for how to edge around a flower bed include:

Trench Edging

The simplest option is to create a natural edge with an unlined trench. After cutting the edge, top the garden bed with mulch. As you approach the grassline, slope the mulch downward to create a two- to three-inch trench. This results in a crisper edge than laying the mulch flush with the grass does.

Metal or Plastic Edging

To create more of a physical separation between your lawn and the garden bed, install a long strip of edging material. Aluminum is a stiff, lightweight, rust-resistant metal, making it great for this purpose. Plastic is a lower-cost alternative that provides a similar appearance. If you’re using plastic edging, you can fill in the trench with mulch.

Bricks or Concrete Pavers

If you’re concerned about grass creep, a thick, paved border could be an unattractive option. Fill the bottom of the trench with a paver base and a layer of stone dust if you decide to edge a flower bed with bricks, concrete pavers, or stones; this helps create a foundation. Install the bricks and pound them into place with a rubber mallet. Then, fill the area between each joint with polymeric sand. Sweep off the pavers and hose them down with water to activate the sand and lock the bricks in place.

Raised Stone Border

A raised edge is the most impressive way to define your garden. This option works best if you’re installing a new bed, as you will need to add soil to elevate it to the level of the short stone wall surrounding it. A raised border is also ideal for sloped landscapes because it creates flat terrain where you can plant your garden.

Maintain the Flower Bed

Now that you know how to get a good edge around your flower bed, the final step is to maintain it with edging and trimming throughout the growing season. This involves cutting the lawn where your mower can’t reach and redefining the vertical edges around your garden bed as required. You’ll also want to pull any weeds or grass blades that pop up so they don’t become a problem. If you don’t have the time to maintain your landscape, find your local The Grounds Guys^®, and let us do the work!

Avoid Common Mistakes

Not knowing how to edge a garden bed correctly can be detrimental to your garden’s aesthetic. Avoid the following common mistakes, and your flower bed’s curb appeal will remain intact:

• Add the correct amount of mulch.
• Too much mulch can suffocate your plants and introduce disease.
• Applying too little can dry out your plants.
• Choose edging that suits your garden bed design.
• Fill the trench correctly to keep your flower bed edging from sinking.

Add Finishing Touches

One of the great things about edging a flower bed is that you can experiment and get creative with the design and materials. You can add a variety of finishing touches that will make your flower beds look sleek and polished. Plus, once you know how to edge a flower bed, you can revamp your landscape on a budget.

Enjoy Your Beautifully Edged Flower Bed

Creating a beautiful flower bed border is one of the smartest ways to separate your garden space and show off your style. However, it involves a great deal of time and effort. Need help with edging your flower beds? Contact The Grounds Guys for professional lawn care maintenance and yard maintenance services. We’ll answer your questions about how to edge a flower bed and other lawn and garden topics, and we perform the work you don’t have time for. We also provide free estimates!

As a Neighborly company, we stand behind the Neighborly Done RightPromise™, which means we’re committed to providing you with outstanding service. If it’s not done right, we’ll make it right.