Edging your garden beds doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Elegant and attractive edging can add a stylish look to your yard and help define the shape of garden beds. With a few simple steps, you can give your garden a polished look that will last for years.

In this article, I’ll go into why edging is important, which materials are best for edging, how to maintain it, and the installation process for different types of edging. Keep reading to learn all about how to edge your garden beds!

What is edging?

Edging is a way of defining the boundaries of your garden, while also adding an aesthetic touch. It can be used for flower beds, vegetable gardens, tree rings, and other areas where you want to create a symmetrical or clean look.

The material used for edging typically defines the overall look of your garden, so it is vital to choose something that fits with the style you are going for.

Do you need edging?

Edging is not necessary for all gardens, but it does offer many benefits. For one, edging can prevent weeds from encroaching on your garden space and help keep mulch in place during heavy rainfall. It can also help define the borders of your garden beds and create a more cohesive overall look. If you have flower beds or other areas of the garden that you want to define and keep tidy, edging is a great way to accomplish this.

If your yard and gardens have been previously landscaped and maintained, you likely don’t need to edge the beds any further. However, if you have a newly created garden, edging is recommended to help keep everything looking neat and organized. You might also need to perform some maintenance on existing edging if it hasn’t been well cared for.

Best materials for edging

There are several materials you can use for edging. Natural stones, pavers, bricks, and wood edging are some of the most popular options. They come in various shapes and sizes, including decorative and colored options. Metal, plastic, and rubber are also popular materials to edge beds.

Pros and cons of each type of edging

Different materials for edging come with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Natural stones

Natural stones are an attractive and durable option for edging. They’ll last forever and won’t require any upkeep, other than keeping weeds out of the cracks. You can choose from various shapes, sizes, and colors, giving you plenty of creative control. However, they can be quite heavy and are more effort to install than other types of edging.

Bricks

Brick is an affordable and easy-to-install edging material that adds a touch of elegance to your garden. However, bricks can be less durable than other materials and may need to be replaced more often. They can also be slightly tedious to install, especially if you are edging a large area.

Pavers

Pavers are similar to bricks in that they come in many colors and styles, making them easy to match with other elements in your garden. They’re also long-lasting and require minimal upkeep. The main downside is that they can be quite expensive.

Metal

Metal is a great option for edging if you want to create a modern look in your garden. However, metal edging may rust over time and require more maintenance than other materials.

Wood

Wood is popular because it is inexpensive, easy to install, and can create a classic look in your garden. It is also relatively lightweight and can be customized with different stains or paints. The downside is that it won’t last as long as some other materials.

Plastic edging

Plastic edging is inexpensive and lightweight. It is also easy on the pocketbook, as it is one of the cheapest options for edging. However, plastic edging can be less durable and may need to be replaced regularly.

Rubber

Rubber is a great option for landscaping because it’s flexible, lightweight, and easy to install. It also has the added benefit of being fade-resistant and requires minimal maintenance. The downside is that rubber edging looks less attractive than other materials, such as natural stones or wood.

Maintaining your edging

Keep up with the maintenance of your edging in order to keep it looking its best. Depending on the material you use, this will require different steps. For natural stones and bricks, this will involve sealing them every few years. For steel and aluminum, this will involve regular cleaning and inspection for rust or damage. All edging should be checked regularly to ensure it is still securely in place.

Installing Edging

Installing edging is a simple task that can be done with the right tools and materials. Begin by marking the area to be edged. Using stakes and string, create a line that will define the boundary of your edging. Then, dig a trench along the marked line. The depth and width of this trench will depend on the size of your chosen edging material. Pavers and bricks will need a larger trench, while metal and plastic edging might not need as much space.

Once the trench is complete, place your edging material into the trench with the decorative side facing out. Make sure it’s level and firmly in place by pressing down on it or using a rubber mallet if necessary. If you are using rocks or pavers, you may want to add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the trench to help keep them in place.

Finally, fill in any remaining gaps with soil or mulch and add a layer of weed killer around the edging to prevent weeds from growing. You can also use landscape fabric or plastic sheeting if necessary. Once everything is in place, you’ll have a tidy edge for your garden.

Whether you choose natural stones, bricks, pavers, metal or wood edging—you’re sure to make the most of your garden space. With edging, you can give your garden a professional and finished look that will be the envy of all your neighbors.