Maya Ellison
Plastic lawn edging is a great way to make your garden look neat and tidy. It's a wallet-friendly, easy DIY project that can be completed in a few hours with basic household tools. To install plastic edging, you'll first need to measure the perimeter of your garden bed to determine how much edging you'll need. Then, dig a trench around your garden bed, place the edging in the trench, and fill it in with soil. You can also install edging stakes for added security. With the right tools and measurements, you'll be able to beautify your outdoor space in no time!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy DIY project that can be completed in a few hours |
| Cost | Wallet-friendly; 60 feet of plastic edging starts at around $30 |
| Tools | Basic household tools, such as a spade, shovel, or turf edger |
| Preparation | Measure the perimeter of the garden bed using rope or twine to determine how much edging is needed; mark the shape with chalk or environmentally safe marking paint |
| Trench depth | Dig a trench that is 3-6 inches deep and slightly wider than the width of the edging |
| Trench filling | Fill the trench with soil and install stakes every 5 feet to secure the edging in place |
| Watering | Lightly water the edging to settle the soil |
| Backfilling | Use your hands to push soil into any small gaps between the garden bed and the lawn |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, decide on the layout of your flower bed edging. Mark the desired shape and path of your edging by laying a garden hose, rope, or twine along the flower bed. This will help you visualise the design and make any necessary adjustments. Once you're satisfied, trace the outline using environmentally safe marking paint or chalk.
Next, measure the length of the marked outline using a tape measure. This measurement will help you determine how much plastic edging you need to purchase. Remember to add about 10% to the total length to account for waste and cuts. You can buy plastic edging from most gardening centres and home improvement stores, where 60 feet of edging typically starts at around $30.
Before beginning any digging, call 811 to request that utility lines be marked. This free service will help you avoid accidentally digging into underground utility lines, such as electrical or gas lines. Wait for the utility lines to be marked before proceeding.
Now, it's time to start digging. Using a round point shovel, spade, or turf edger, dig a trench along the marked outline. The trench should be 3 to 6 inches deep and slightly wider than the width of your plastic edging. If you have tree roots in the way, you may need to cut them away to make room for the trench.
If you're using multiple rolls of plastic edging, it's a good idea to unroll them the day before installation. This will allow the plastic to relax and become less curled, making it easier to shape and work with. Remove any plastic coverings or packaging, and lay the edging flat on the ground.
Finally, before placing the edging into the trench, cut it to size if necessary. Ensure that the edging is the correct length to fit within the trench, following the marked outline.
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Measuring and marking
To install plastic flower bed edging, you'll first need to measure and mark the area. This will help you determine how much edging you need and where to place it. Here's a step-by-step guide to measuring and marking for your project:
Step 1: Outline the Area with Rope or Twine
Begin by laying out a piece of rope or twine around the flower bed where you plan to install the edging. This will help you visualise the path of the edging and make any necessary adjustments to the shape. You can also use a garden hose to outline the area, which can be especially helpful if you want a curved border.
Step 2: Measure the Rope or Twine
Once you're satisfied with the outline, measure the length of the rope, twine, or hose with a tape measure. This measurement will give you an idea of how much plastic edging you'll need to purchase. It's a good idea to add about 10% to the total length to account for waste and any cutting errors.
Step 3: Mark the Edging Path
If you used a hose to outline the area, you can skip this step. If you used rope or twine, mark the curvature of the rope with environmentally safe marking paint. This will create a clear guideline for digging your trench and installing the edging. You can also use chalk or grass-friendly spray paint for this step.
Step 4: Finalise the Measurement
After marking the path, you can cut the rope to size and double-check your measurements. This will ensure that you have an accurate length for purchasing the appropriate amount of edging material.
By following these steps, you'll have a clear understanding of the required materials and the precise location for your plastic flower bed edging. This preparation will make the installation process smoother and help ensure a neat and precise result.
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Digging a trench
To install plastic flower bed edging, you'll need to start by digging a trench around the bed. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Planning the Layout
Before you begin digging, it's important to plan the layout of your flower bed. Use a garden hose to outline the shape you desire. Once you're happy with the arrangement, mark the outline using chalk or grass-friendly spray paint. This will ensure a neat and precise trench.
Measuring the Perimeter
To determine the required length of plastic edging, measure the perimeter of your flower bed. You can use rope or twine for this step. Lay it along the marked outline, then use a tape measure to get the length. Don't forget to add about 10% to account for waste. This step is crucial to ensure you purchase enough edging material.
Digging the Trench
Now, it's time to dig the trench. Use a round point shovel or spade to dig a neat trench along the marked outline. The recommended depth of the trench is typically between 3 and 6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm). You can make the trench as wide as needed to fit your chosen edging, usually about 2 inches wide. Ensure that the trench is uniform in width all around the flower bed. Cut downward at an angle towards the centre of the bed. You can also use a specialised tool like an E-Z Trencher, which cuts a trench of about 5 inches deep and 1 inch wide, making the process faster and more precise.
Finalising the Trench
Once you've dug the trench, you can fine-tune it. If you're satisfied with the basic trench, you can proceed to the next step. However, some people choose to enhance the trench's appearance by filling it with pebbles or crushed rocks, adding definition and aesthetic appeal to your flower bed.
Remember, installing plastic edging is a relatively easy DIY project that can enhance the look of your flower bed and provide a clear definition to your garden space.
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Placing the edging
To place the edging, start by measuring the perimeter of your garden bed using rope to determine how much edging you'll need. You can also use a garden hose to mark the shape of your edging. Once you're satisfied, use environmentally safe marking paint to trace the curvature of the rope or hose. Then, once the paint is dry, cut it to size.
Next, dig a trench around your garden bed. The trench should be 3-6 inches deep and slightly wider than the width of the edging. If you're using a spade or trowel, make a 4-inch deep cut around the perimeter. Cut away any roots.
Now, place the edging in the trench with the lip or rounded top pointing towards your garden bed. If you need multiple rolls of edging, use a connector to attach the ends of the rolls.
Finally, fill the trench in with soil and install edging stakes to secure the edging in place. Install a stake every 5 feet along the edging.
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Securing the edging
While it is not necessary to secure plastic edging if installed correctly, you can use a few methods to secure it for added stability.
First, you can use stakes to secure the edging. These stakes can be either straight or perpendicular in shape, and they are installed by hammering them into the ground with a mallet. Stakes provide support and prevent the edging from moving away from the bed as the soil moves over time. It is recommended to install a stake every 5 feet along the edging.
Another method to secure the edging is to use plastic coupling to tie the pieces together. This ensures that the edging remains connected and in place.
Additionally, you can fill in any gaps or trenches created during the installation process with soil. This helps to stabilise the edging and prevent any movement. Make sure to water the soil lightly to settle it and compact it around the edging.
If you are using multiple rolls of edging, you can also use connectors to attach the ends of the rolls together. This creates a continuous and secure border around your flower bed.
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