Alexei Volkov
Plastic edging is a cost-effective and DIY-friendly way to give your garden a clean, neat, and tidy look. It is flexible and easy to work with, making it an excellent choice for curved borders and round garden beds. To install plastic edging, you will need to measure the perimeter of your garden bed to determine how much edging you will require. Then, you will need to dig a trench around the garden bed and cut away any roots. After that, you can place the edging in the trench and secure it with stakes before filling the trench with soil. Finally, water the edging to settle the soil and ensure it stays in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Plastic edging is an economical, DIY-friendly, and practical way to give garden beds a clean, finished look |
| Planning | Measure the desired area using a string or flexible measuring tape to determine the required length of edging |
| Materials | Plastic edging kits typically include edging pieces, stakes, and connectors |
| Preparation | Mark the border with environmentally safe paint or rope, then dig a trench along the markings, removing any roots |
| Installation | Place the edging in the trench with the lip pointing towards the garden bed, connect multiple rolls with connectors, fill the trench with soil, and install stakes at regular intervals |
| Final Steps | Water the soil lightly to settle it, fill any dips, and pack down firmly |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, you need to measure the perimeter of the garden bed that you want to edge. Use a flexible measuring tape or a piece of rope to outline the desired path for your edging. This will help you determine how much plastic edging you will need to purchase. It is recommended to add 10% to the total length to account for waste.
Once you have measured and calculated the required amount of plastic edging, you can start preparing the area. Remove any existing edging or obstacles along the marked path. If there are any tree roots or large rocks in the way, carefully dig them out or cut them away. Ensure the area is clear and ready for digging.
Before you start digging, it is a good idea to call your local utility company to mark any underground utility lines to avoid any accidental damage. This is an important safety precaution.
Now, you can begin marking the trench line. Use environmentally safe marking paint to trace the outline of the edging on the ground. This will guide you when digging the trench and ensure a straight or curved line, depending on your desired design.
After marking the trench line, gather the necessary tools and protective gear. You will need a round point shovel or spade for digging, gloves, eye protection, and any other equipment you deem necessary for your safety and comfort.
By following these planning and preparation steps, you will be well on your way to successfully installing plastic edging. The next steps will involve digging the trench and placing the edging, which will be covered in a subsequent section.
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Measuring and marking
To begin, you will need to measure the perimeter of the garden bed or border that you want to edge. You can do this by laying a piece of rope or twine along the bed, shaping it however you desire. If you have a curved border or round garden bed, plastic edging is a good choice as it is flexible and easy to work with. Once you are satisfied with the design, use environmentally safe marking paint to trace the curvature of the rope. Alternatively, you can use string or a flexible measuring tape, running it along the desired path.
After the paint has dried, cut the rope to size and use a tape measure to determine its length. This will give you an idea of how much plastic edging you will need for your project. It is recommended to add 10% to the total length to account for waste.
Now that you have your measurements, you can start preparing the area. Dig a trench along the edges of the bed, following the marking paint. The trench should be 3-6 inches deep and slightly wider than the width of the edging. Keep the soil that you have dug up close by, as you will use it later to fill in the trench and secure the edging.
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Digging the trench
To begin, measure the perimeter of the garden bed where you plan to install the edging. Use a flexible measuring tape or a piece of rope to outline the desired path. This step will help you determine the required length of plastic edging needed for your project. It is recommended to add 10% to the total length to account for any waste.
Once you have marked out the border, it's time to start digging. Use a round point shovel or spade to dig a trench along the marked line. The trench should be approximately 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) deep, depending on the height of the edging you plan to use. The width of the trench should be slightly larger than the width of the edging, with a minimum of 2 inches (5.1 cm) of space on each side. Keep the soil that you dig up close by, as you will use it later to fill in the trench and secure the edging.
If you are working with moist soil, a regular trowel or spade should be sufficient for digging. However, if the earth is dry, you may need a specialist border tool to create sharp cuts without the dirt crumbling away. Ensure that you cut away any roots that may interfere with the placement of the edging.
By digging an appropriately sized trench, you will create a stable base for your plastic edging. This step is crucial in ensuring the proper installation and long-term durability of your garden edging.
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Placing the edging
Now that you've marked out the border you want to edge, it's time to start placing the edging.
First, you'll need to measure the perimeter of your garden bed to determine how much edging you'll need. Use a rope or a flexible measuring tape and lay it out along the desired path for your edging. Once you know the length, you can purchase the required amount of edging from a garden centre or home improvement store.
Next, you'll need to dig a trench around your garden bed. The trench should be 3-6 inches deep and slightly wider than the width of the edging. Keep the soil that you've dug up close by, as you'll be using it again soon. If your edging came in a roll, it's a good idea to unroll it a day or two before installation to allow it to flatten out.
Now, place the plastic edging in the trench with the lip on the bottom pointing towards your garden bed. If you need multiple rolls of edging, use a connector to attach the ends. Make sure the edging is securely in place and lines up as desired.
Finally, it's time to fill the trench back in with the soil you removed earlier. Start at one end of the trench and add the soil one shovelful at a time, tamping it down firmly against the edging with your foot. Stop filling when the soil level is even with the surrounding ground. You can even lightly step on the dirt to pack it down more if needed.
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Securing with stakes
Plastic edging is a great way to give your garden a neat and tidy look. It is a simple process that can be done in a few hours and is a very cost-effective way to enhance your landscaping.
After measuring and preparing the area, it is time to secure your plastic edging with stakes. Firstly, lay out your edging along the trench line. If your edging came rolled up, it is a good idea to unroll it a day or two before installation to allow it to flatten out. You can also place it in the sun to warm the plastic, making it easier to shape.
Now, you are ready to start securing with stakes. Place a stake close to the edging, with the pointed tip towards the 'V' shape at the bottom. The stake should be at a 45-degree angle, and you should hammer it through the edging into the soil wall below the lawn's edge. Make sure the stake is stable and not pounded straight down, or it may be pushed upwards by frost. The stakes should be placed every 3 to 5 feet along the edging, with some sources recommending a stake every 7 inches. If you have connections, place a stake on each side of the join for added stability.
Once all the stakes are in place, fill the trench with soil, tamping it down firmly with your foot or by stepping on it. You can then water the ground surrounding the edging with a garden hose, allowing the water to settle the soil. Finally, fill any dips or depressions with more soil and compact it down.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a string or rope to measure the desired path for your edging. Lay the string or rope along the garden bed where you plan to install the edging, then use a tape measure to determine the length.
The trench should be 3-6 inches deep. It should also be slightly wider than the width of the edging.
Place the plastic edging in the trench so that the lip on the bottom points towards your garden bed and not the lawn. If you are using multiple rolls of edging, use a connector to attach the ends.
Fill the trench with the soil you removed earlier, and pack it down firmly. Then, install a stake every 3 to 5 feet along the edging, hammering it through the edging into the soil wall below. Finally, water the ground surrounding the edging thoroughly with a garden hose.
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