As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Please note that you are never charged any extra for that.
If you own a garden or a lawn, then you should know the significance of well-defined lines. The look of a top-notch and fresh yard says a lot about you. So, if you want your garden to stay beautiful, then follow these simples steps on how to edge a lawn and garden.
Table of Contents
How to Edge a Lawn and Garden
Step 1:
You should always know what you desire with edging. If you are edging your lawns or gardens and making new a new bed for the first time, then you should mark a path out. You can do that with a rope or a hose where you’d like to make your edging cuts.
Make sure to place the guide accordingly as you will be edging between the pavement and your preferred guide. Knowing about the best lawn edgers with how to use them matters a lot for the beauty of lawn and gardens.
Step 2:
You can start at an end if it’s for straight edging.
On the contrary, it’ll be easy to control shape if you start from the center and then execute on either side if it’s for curved edging.
It also depends on the edger type for the way you would edge your lawns and gardens. So, the technique will vary as well.
There are two basic types of edger in such case:
Powered edger: Guess a good stance that will let you walk forward gradually while you control the edger path firmly. If you want to keep yourself in better control, then make sure to engage your core and watch your posture.
If you are a newbie, then you can also practice edge in your patio so you can get the knack of it. Make sure to go slow. The faster you will go, the more you can go off track and get a wobbly cut.
Manual edger: For manual edging, you need to use a tool that would look like a shovel. It will have a half-circle shaped blade. First, you need to push the tool firmly but gently with your feet. Then rotate the blade right to left or vice versa so you get the cut. If you want to stay straight, then overlapping cutting marks with each incision can help you.
Explore all about garden tiller here.
Step 3:
No matter what edging method you are using, you should cut around 2-inch deep only. And make sure to be careful of cables and pebbles. You may find the measurement arbitrary, but it is stated to be decent reach of power edgers and also is enough to control root spread. Although, the depth has been suggested randomly, you can go with other measurement according to your preference and convenience.
Step 4:
It is also recommended to take the cut turf out periodically. This will make sure you are making clean lines. Observe the area thoroughly and correct if the cut feels inconsistent.
Step 5:
If you are edging garden bed with sunken flower beds, then deepen the edged cuts with a spade to around 4-inch to 6-inch
If you are edging raised garden beds, then go with a depth that will work for the bed aesthetically.
To remove the turf, cut into the bottom from the interior of the bed. Make sure that you pick an angle depending on the consistency to carry through for turf removal. There are some people who prefer a 90-degree angle for the job.
Step 6:
Set off the hand shears. Your aim should be to place them vertically as per the trench wall and get the cut back precisely. Try to avoid holding the shears horizontally so that it does not destroy the right angle of the edge.
Make sure that you repeat the job as needed all through the season. Hedge Trimmer Safety Tips are discussed here.
Step 7:
Put down 2-inch to 3-inch of mulch on bed. It will not only suppress weed but also will add a vibrant, bold color to the edge.