How to Edge your Garden Bed: Surprisingly Simple Steps

One great way to enhance the appearance of your garden beds is by maintaining well-trimmed garden edges. 

Keep reading to find step-by-step instructions on how to trim and maintain garden edges from garden beds, along with the right tools, organic solutions for stubborn weeds, and the benefits of using raised garden beds for easy upkeep.

1.Tools to Use for Trimming Garden Edges

To achieve clean and straight lines along your garden beds, you'll need the right tools. 

Here are some essential tools you should have in your garden bag. 

Garden Edging Tool

A specialized garden edging tool with a sharp edge is perfect for creating defined borders between the raised garden.

Hand Trowel

This small, handheld tool will come in handy for precise weeding and cleaning up edges.

Garden Shears or Pruners

Use these to trim back overgrown plants and maintain a neat appearance. 

Garden Knife

Vego Garden's 10-in-1 Hori Hori Knife does the trick, with a shovel, a serrated knife and a flat knife for practical use.

Garden Gloves

Protect your hands from thorns, splinters, and other potential hazards while working in the garden.

2. How to Pull Weeds and Identify Them

Clean up the area first. Learn to distinguish between weeds and your desired plants. Weeds often grow faster and look out of place in your flower beds or vegetable garden. If you're not sure what your seedling will look like, use the packaging as a guide.

Once you've identified the weeds, gently grasp it at the base near the soil and pull steadily to remove the entire plant, including the roots. Use a hand shovel and knife for stubborn weeds.

3. Organic Solutions for Stubborn Weeds

If you encounter stubborn weeds that are difficult to remove, consider these organic solutions:

Vinegar Spray

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the weeds on a sunny day to dehydrate and kill them.

Boiling Water

Boil water and carefully pour it directly onto the weeds, causing them to wither and die.

4. Best Time and What to Look for While Trimming Edges

Best Time

The early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time for trimming, as the weather is cooler and less stressful for both you and your plants.

What to Look for

Aim for a smooth line along the garden edge, ensuring the border is clean and well-defined.

5. Different Types of Garden Beds

Explore various types of garden beds out there and why some are more practical than others:

Wood Edging

Use cedar planks, untreated wood, or scrap wood for a more natural look. One benefit is that it is a cheap solution, the downside is that it rots faster or can attract pests and needs constant maintenance. 

Stone Edging:

Use large stones, river rocks, or red bricks for a classic and beautiful garden design. Stone edging looks beautiful but can be quite expensive and must be done by professionals, as the stones are heavy.

Concrete Edging:

This solution gives your garden a sophisticated look but can be expensive as it can crack, and the structure cannot be changed once the concrete is poured.

Metal Edging:

You can achieve a more industrial look with edging made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. However, this option comes with many problems, as rain and wind can make metal edging unstable and also require a lot of work.

Metal Raised Garden Bed:

Vego Garden’s metal raised beds are available in 9 configurations and 17 inches in height and have a 20-year lifespan. They're made of a steel substrate coated with zinc, aluminum, and magnesium and painted with a USDA-certified paint, which means they're corrosion-resistant. You don’t have to worry about the edging, just your crops and weeding, saving you many hours of gardening.

6. Benefits of Raised Garden Beds for Easy Maintenance

Maintaining a tidy garden is a full-time job that you can save yourself with a raised bed. Raised garden beds offer numerous advantages when it comes to keeping garden edges well-maintained:

Good Drainage

Raised garden beds typically have better drainage, preventing waterlogging and reducing the growth of weeds.

Organic Material

Raised beds allow for better control of soil quality and enable you to add organic matter easily.

Less Weeding

The confined space of raised garden beds means fewer weeds to deal with compared to traditional garden areas.

Ergonomic Solution

Raised garden beds are more accessible and relieve your back from constant bending.

Neat Edges

The defined edges of raised garden beds make it easier to trim and maintain a sharp appearance.

7. Step-by-Step Guide on Trimming Garden Edges

1. Clear the Area

Remove any debris, leaves, or objects that might be obstructing the garden edge.

2. Use Garden Edging Tool

Run the garden edging tool along the garden bed's edge to create a defined line.

3. Trim Excess Growth

Use garden shears or pruners to trim back any overgrown plants or weeds.

4. Weed Removal

Hand-pull any visible weeds from the garden bed area.

5. Organic Solutions

For stubborn weeds, apply organic solutions like vinegar or boiling water.

6. Final Touch

Step back and assess your work, making any necessary adjustments to achieve a smooth and sharp edge.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining garden edges from garden beds is a task that, although bothersome, will keep your garden looking beautiful and organized throughout the growing season.