Chloe Zhang
Plastic edging is a great way to give your garden beds a clean, finished look. It is also a simple DIY project that can be completed in a few hours. The first step is to measure the garden bed or border you want to edge. You can use rope or twine to outline the shape and then use environmentally safe marking paint to trace the curvature of the rope. Next, you will need to dig a trench along the edges of the bed. The trench should be deep enough to accommodate the height of the plastic edging, typically ranging from 3 to 6 inches. Once the trench is dug, you can place the edging inside and use stakes to anchor it in place. Finally, you can backfill the trench with soil and compact it to keep the edging sturdy.
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, decide on the placement of your edging and the desired design. Use rope or twine to outline the shape you wish to create, ensuring it is level and straight. This step is crucial to achieving a neat and accurate installation. Mark the outline with environmentally safe landscaping or marking paint to guide your digging.
Next, measure the length of your rope or twine outline with a tape measure. This measurement will help you determine how much plastic edging you need for your project. It is recommended to add 10% to the total length to account for waste and any potential errors.
Before you begin installing the edging, prepare the soil by rototilling or digging a trench. The trench should be approximately 3 to 6 inches deep, depending on the height of your edging. The width of the trench should also accommodate the width of your chosen edging. Remove any grass, weeds, or debris from the trench to ensure a clean installation.
If you are using ground stakes, prepare them in advance. You can make your own ground stakes from scrap wood, cutting and painting them to match your edging. For plastic edging, ensure you have the appropriate glue for a strong bond.
Finally, unroll your plastic edging and remove any packaging. It is beneficial to let the edging lay out in the sun for a few hours to make it more flexible and easier to work with. This step is especially useful if you are installing curved borders or working with particularly stiff plastic.
By following these planning and preparation steps, you will be well on your way to a successful and aesthetically pleasing plastic edging installation.
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Digging a trench
Use a trenching machine or a straight-edge spade shovel to dig a neat trench around the garden bed where the plastic edging will go. If you're using rope or twine to outline your design, be sure to mark the outline with environmentally safe marking paint first. Then, dig the trench along the edges of the bed, following the marking paint.
The width of the trench will also depend on the edging you've chosen. The good stuff measures five and a half inches wide or more, while cheaper options are usually narrower. It's important to choose a quality product to avoid issues with frost heave and mower damage.
Once you've dug the trench, you're ready to move on to the next step of installing the plastic edging.
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Placing the edging
Now that you have planned the placement of your edging, it is time to install it. Start by unrolling the plastic lawn edging and removing any plastic coverings or packaging. Leave the edging flat on the ground and, if possible, leave it in the sun for a few hours to make it easier to shape and work with.
Next, dig a trench around the garden bed where you will place the edging. The trench should be 3–6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm) deep, depending on the height of your edging, which typically ranges from 3–6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm). Use a trenching machine, a round-point shovel, or a straight-edge spade shovel to dig the trench.
Now, place the edging into the trench. The edging's top bead should be a half to one inch above the finished grade to avoid tripping and mowing hazards. Be sure to follow the marked line or rope outline created during the planning stage.
At this point, you can install the stakes. Place the stakes every 3 to 5 feet along the edging, positioning them right next to the top with the pointed tip towards the "V" shape at the bottom. Pound the stakes into the ground at a very flat angle, no more than 25 to 45 degrees. Drive the stakes through the front face of the edging to anchor it in place.
Finally, backfill the trench with the soil you removed earlier. Compact the soil tightly with your feet, stomping along the curves of the edging to push it outwards. You can also use a shovel or spade to backfill, forcing the edging against the wall of the trench. Add water to the area with a garden hose to settle the soil. Continue adding soil until it is slightly higher than ground level, as it will settle with the first rain or watering.
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Adding stakes
Preparing the Stakes:
Before adding the stakes, it's crucial to determine the correct placement and spacing. Stakes should be placed at regular intervals along the edging, with the recommended distance varying between 3 to 4 feet or 5 feet. It's important to use stakes specifically designed for plastic edging, which are typically straight or perpendicular in shape. If you're working with curves or joints, consider using extra stakes for added stability.
Placing the Stakes:
Start by positioning the pointed tip of the stake into the "V" shape at the bottom of the edging. Ensure that the stake is placed right next to the top of the edging. The end of the stake that will be hammered into the ground should be bent at a ninety-degree angle, with the short, bent part facing downward.
Installing the Stakes:
When installing the stakes, it's important not to pound them straight down or at a forty-five-degree angle. Instead, opt for a flatter angle, ideally twenty-five degrees or less. Use a rubber mallet to drive the stake through the edging at a slight angle from the lower outside face to the other side. This will help anchor the edging securely.
Finishing Touches:
After installing the stakes, check that the edging feels sturdy all around. If needed, add more soil to areas that require additional support or to fill in any low-lying spots. Lightly water the area with a garden hose to settle the soil further.
For added stability, especially when working with pavers or joints, consider using steel anchoring stakes or commercial-grade edging that comes with stake kits. These options provide enhanced durability and ensure that your plastic edging remains securely in place.
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Backfilling and compacting
Backfilling
Backfilling involves filling the trench with soil to secure the edging in place. Use the soil you excavated earlier to backfill behind the edging. As you backfill, use your hands to push the soil in and force the edging against the trench wall. Pack the soil tightly and ensure it is higher than ground level, as it will settle after the first rain or watering.
Compacting
Compacting the soil is essential to ensure a sturdy and long-lasting installation. Use your feet to stomp along the edging, flattening and compacting the soil. This process will also push the edging outwards along the curve, ensuring a snug fit. You can also use a rubber mallet to compact the soil further and drive the edging spikes or yard staples through the front face of the edging for added stability.
Staking
Install stakes at regular intervals to anchor the edging in place. Stakes can be made of wood or steel, and they should be driven into the ground at a slight angle. Place the pointed tip of the stake into the "V" shape at the bottom of the edging, and hammer it in. For plastic lawn edging, install a stake at least every 5 feet (1.5 meters). Ensure the stake is next to the top of the edging to provide adequate support.
Final Adjustments
After backfilling, compacting, and staking, check if the edging feels sturdy all around. If there are any loose areas or gaps, add more soil to secure the edging. Use a garden hose to lightly water the area, which will help settle the soil further. Finally, use a garden rake to level and smooth out the soil, creating a clean, neat, and almost invisible line between planting areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Use rope or twine to outline the shape of the garden bed or border you want to edge. Once you're happy with the design, trace the curvature of the rope with environmentally safe marking paint. When the paint is dry, cut the rope to size and use a tape measure to determine the length. Add 10% to the total length to account for waste.
Dig a trench that is 3 to 6 inches deep around the garden bed. The width and depth of your trench will depend on the type of edging you choose.
Install a stake every 3 to 5 feet along the edging. Place the stake into the soil so that the pointed tip is facing the "V" shape at the bottom of the edging. Hammer the part of the stake that is above the soil to push the pointed tip through to the other side.
Backfill the trench with soil and compact it tightly with your feet. Water the backfilled area lightly with a garden hose. Add more soil to any low-lying areas, compact it, and water again. Level and smooth the soil with a garden rake.
