How to Edge Garden Beds with Plastic Edging for a Clean, Low-Maintenance Border

Experienced gardeners rely on heavy-duty molded plastic edging to create crisp, lasting bed boundaries. Sold in rolls of 4- to 6-inch-tall flat plastic at garden centers and mail-order suppliers, this edging installs easily and saves countless hours of grass and weed removal.

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Bed Edge First, trim the bed's edge cleanly using a spade or specialized bed-edging tool (designed with a sharp, curved blade). Remove enough soil to accommodate the edging—about 3 inches deep.

Step 2: Install the Edging Cut the edging to fit your bed dimensions, working in manageable sections. Invest in high-quality edging; cheaper versions deteriorate within a few years. Press the edging into place, backfill soil on both sides, and allow the top to extend 1 inch above soil level to prevent water and soil runoff.

Once your beds are established, learn how to use cover crops to improve soil health.