How to edge flower beds like a pro

Once upon a time, my gardener brother showed me how to edge the flowerbeds in the garden. And I've been...

doing it ever since.

Every so often I get asked how I do it and maintain those edges. So I'm sharing my (brother's) secrets today.

Does this look familiar? It happens to the best of us. Mess meets sunken treasure.

And just like my pallet walkway post, you'll do it if you blog about it, yes? YES!

Not pretty. Everything's a little overgrown and the soil is the same height as the lawn. Let's fix it!

(my bad for taking photos in the bright sunlight; overcast days are better, I just didn't want to wait)

How to cut pro edges for your flower beds

 1. Cut a fresh edge on the grass side of your flowerbed with a half moon edger.

Just like cutting cake. I like to hop on both sides at the same time, one jump at a time like a pogo stick.



2. Scoop out the cut chunks of turf.

I like to beat off as much soil as possible, then flip them upside down in the compost pile. If upside down, the grass will die and the works will turn into mulch/soil. If right side up, you'll grow a new chunk of lawn in the compost. Then you'll have to edge that... (kidding) (sort of)

2. Here's the big deep dark secret. Trench your soil on the side of the cut, then hill it upwards.

A trench creates a place for water to drain and soil to fall. And offers a shadow for a nice clean look. You wait and see!

3. With hand held clippers, trim your grassy edges horizontally and vertically for a nice sharp haircut.

Yes, you can do it with a weed wacker upside down but you will NOT get this quality of an edge. Ever. It's like using a steak knife to give yourself a haircut.

And then stand back and GASP at your awesomeness.

Ok, and water the soil too before you take pictures so it looks rich and full of nutrients.

Tip #1: when you cut edges, attempt curvy shapes vs. straight. Round is more natural, just like nature.

Tip #2: if you curve, ensure the curves will accommodate your lawnmower size. If your curves are too tight, you have to keep repositioning the mower.

Aren't those flowerbed edges pretty?

Here's a little illustration in hopes that it makes more sense if my first try didn't fly.

How to maintain

Keep the edges trimmed every time you mow. And if the edges get overgrown a little, you can always recut new edges to start over again.

How to mow? I push the lawn mower along the edge, stop, rotate towards the soil, touch down,  then straighten again. I do this all along the edges to reduce the need to edge by hand horizontally.

If Jenna's happy, I'm happy! NEXT.

I think you should blog about your work. It appears to be... working.

Take my 2011 FULL garden tour (as seen above)

Do you edge? What are your secrets?

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