How to edge flower beds... like a pro!

My brother is a pro gardener and many moons ago, he shared how he professionally edged flowerbeds. I get comments asking how I do my own, so today I'm sharing my secrets!

How do you edge your flowerbeds?

#Bestof2012

#itchingforspringOutdoorProjects

#BeforeandAfter

Cost: $0.00 Difficulty: Easy

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Isn't this edge pretty? Trust me, this is very easy to do. All you need are three tools you likely already have on hand.
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This was the before. Does this look more like what you have in your own yard? Let's fix this right up!
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This is a simple half moon edger. Make a nice fresh cut along the grass part of your edges in a nice smooth arc.
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Once the cut is made, trench out the soil with a hand held garden shovel and mound it away from the edge. Trim the grass along the edge horizontally and vertically...
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The trench allows for water run off and soil falling, and the shadow just creates a really dazzling finish.
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I created a fun little chart that displays the process a little better. Come check out all 4 steps as well as many other after shots at: http://www.funkyjunki...

To see more: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/07/how-to-edge-flower-beds-like-pro.html

65 Comments Displaying 25 of 65 comments | See Previous

Judith O Glenview, IL

Nothing like a neat crisp edge to neaten up a landscape & keep the grass from getting into the flowerbed. Check out our club's website & 'like' us on FB www.glenviewgardeners.org

on Apr 13, 2013 · Like 0
Nanette F Mount Juliet, TN

sometimes easier said than done depnding on soil conditions. The trench will fill back in if not maintained regularly. Two easier options, one funky and cheap, another more industrial and expensive. Funky and cheap, stoneware dinner plates buried halfway up. Curve em, make em straight, pick ur pattern, mix em, match em. Easy and really keeps soil in and weeds/grass out. Goodwill/salvation army, big pack for nominal $$. Husband is the lawn ranger and hasn't broke one yet. More expensive ...»
option which I've used but can no longer afford, is steel edging from the big box hardware stores. U can buy straight, curves, corners. U can trench them in just a tad and secure with their stakes. Not as deep as dinner plates, but do a great job. Brown or green, last a long time, easy to install. As they rust, they blend in even more. I used them to define the border between my bed and the rock mtce border next to the house. I keep bed at least 2-4 feet out from the house to be able to maintain. Mallet, and some sort sort of tool to trench a little is all u need for steel edging.
Have tried the trench border method and it was alot of mtce and husband had no patience with the divet along the edges. A solid edge has worked much better. I'd rather plant than trench.

on Apr 13, 2013 · Like 1
Paula Owens Raymond, WA

Edging flower beds has been my biggest challenge for years....

on Apr 13, 2013 · Like 0
Amy watson Clermont, FL

Thanks Donna...This is great advice!!!!!

on Apr 13, 2013 · Like 1
Derek George Canada

YES , AS PATRICIA W SAYS , USE A WHIPPER SNIPPER , TURNED SO THE STRING IS CUTTING VERTICALLY , BUT " YOU MUST WEAR SAFETY GLASSES / GOGGLES " LIL PEBBLES OR ROCKS DO FLY UP , I SPEAK WITH EXPERIENCE , I DO MY EDGING EVERY TIME I CUT MY GRASS , ALWAYS WELL MANICURED LAWN / YARD / GARDEN

on Apr 13, 2013 · Like 2
Eddie B. Leigh, NE

One of my pet peeves is when people do not edge the sidewalk in front of their home. Sometimes as much as 50% of the sidewalk gets covered by overgrowth encroaching from both sides. *shudder*

on Apr 13, 2013 · Like 3
diy Design Fanatic Charlotte, NC

our yard is so large we rent a gas bed edger ever other year. I need one of those half moon edgers for a few places in the yard though. We use hardwood mulch right up to the edge of the grass because we have some slopes and lots of rain. Your edging looks awesome!

on Apr 13, 2013 · Like 2
Cindy Seminole, FL

Love, love this. Just what I was looking for. Signing off, I'm going out to my garden and doing this :)

on Apr 14, 2013 · Like 1
Peggy Pierce Huntsville, AL

I like this idea too. It looks really cool. I also love how I edged my garden. I did it with monkey grass. The really dark green monkey grass. It makes a much prettier border than the plastic or metal strips or any other bordering material. I now how a yard person who keeps it all in check and trimmed out.

on Apr 15, 2013 · Like 0
Mary Smith Davenport, FL

I can't wait to get back outside to do this with all my beds. I think it looks fabulous.

on Apr 15, 2013 · Like 0
Linda Ringoes, NJ

My son started this - just to show me then he plopped the plants in the ground without properly digging out the area, so now we have a partial "ditch" with grass all around - he starts something and then never finishes it - takes the tools so I can't finish it either. He tries, though..lol.

on Apr 22, 2013 · Like 1
DeeAnn S. Kimball, MN

Thank you for sharing this information! Your flower beds are beautiful and hopefully with your great instructions, mine will look much better soon!

on Apr 29, 2013 · Like 0
All Things Heart and Home Marietta, GA

This is so helpful! I need to do this to all my beds-

on May 07, 2013 · Like 0
CindyandGeorge Schaeffer Palm Bay, FL

Awesome edging! Never knew about the trenching, must be a trade secret!

on May 24, 2013 · Like 1
Linda Anthony Meadville, PA

I've done 'ditches' for years - most of the time I fill part of the ditch with mulch - however, THIS year I am going to keep my mulch out of the ditch because the weeds find it easy to grow in the mulch. The tool you call the half moon is actually a scraper - we have one we use in the barn. Also use Preen twice a year - early spring to catch the weed and grass seeds, and then again just before we use the mulch. Preen kills SEEDS so be careful where you use it - will NOT harm any plants. ...»
Regardles of maintaining, it ALWAYS looks better than the alternative!
One more thing, this also 'mounds' your landscaping which shows off your plantings much better!

on May 24, 2013 · Like 1
Deb Mansfield, MA

I have recently done this with a couple of my flower beds. Unfortunately, my grass doesn't look anything like these pictures! I also find it a little difficult to mow the lawn around the trench...the wheels keep falling in! But, I love the look!!

on May 31, 2013 · Like 0
FunkyJunk Interiors - Don... Canada

Deb , this is how I mow around the edges...
I mow close with the push lawnmower. I go along the edge, but then turn the lawnmower towards the cut edge and lightly tap down, then turn straight again. Move the mower ahead, and repeat. If you use a drive lawnmower, I'd get as close as possible, then trim flush with the lawn with a weed ...»
eater, then clip the vertical edge with hand trimmers. Sounds labour intensive but it really isn't.. it just becomes part of the lawn duties. But so worth it!

on May 31, 2013 · Like 1
Carol C Mentor, OH

Trenching is a thorn in my side...........want the look, can't seem to make it happen. They do fill up with water. I have a scraper and will try that.

on Jun 04, 2013 · Like 0
Linda Dann Glassboro, NJ

Linda from Ringoes- You crack me up! I have a son like that- and a foster daughter- same- and frankly, I'm a bit like that myself! So much for perfection!

on Jun 05, 2013 · Like 0
Jeanette freeze Purdy, MO

awesome ty for shareing with us

on Jun 06, 2013 · Like 0
Wendy B Murphy, NC

got maybe 15 feet done and I'm flat exhausted! Where you live has GOT to be easier than the land up here in the N.C. mountains. Determined to finish the one area I am working on but pretty sure that I will continue using monkey grass or rocks elsewhere! <sigh> I LOVE the look!

on Jun 08, 2013 · Like 0
Virginia Cumming, GA

I love this look and definitely will be doing this for my front flower beds. I do have one bed that when it was done (previous owners of the house) it's actually raised. What is a good way of trenching when the bed is an inch or so higher than the grass?

on Jun 08, 2013 · Like 0
FunkyJunk Interiors - Don... Canada

Wendy B , haha, yes the first time can be super exhausting, especially if your ground is rock hard. I like to work it after rainfall if possible, much easier on the back! :)
Virginia , I just scoop the taller soil further away from the cut edge so there's less of a grade. A higher bed is no issue if it ...»
isn't too top heavy or the grade isn't as steep.
Carol C , it shouldn't fill up with water... that is strange! Mine drains no problem. Wondering if your soil needs some additives to allow for better drainage? I top mine up every 2 years or so with new soil so it doesn't turn to mud.

on Jun 10, 2013 · Like 0
Carol C Mentor, OH

Okay still need more info...........when you cut the edge and then you say "trench it" away from the cut, does that mean get rid of all the dirt that has accumulated once the cut is made, and what do you do with the uncut edge to make it look hermetically perfect. Some of my friends use weed whackers to do this, can't figure how to do that either. Help.

on Jun 10, 2013 · Like 0
FunkyJunk Interiors - Don... Canada

Hey Carol C , yes, remove the dirt by the cut and scoop it away from the cut, heaping it to the other side.
After the soil is cut, take some hand clippers (trimmers??) and snip along the tops AND on the dirt side of the cut. You can use a weed wacker if desired, but I find doing it by hand gives you a much crisper look. Kinda like a good haircut vs a chewed up one. LOL ...»

I think I'll do a video tutorial of this one day, it would be easier to explain. Also, ensure you visit the original post for more info too!
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2012/07/ho...

7 days ago · Like 0