Why You Should Consider Creating a Garden Bed Edging
Updated: Mar. 03, 2024
Garden beds can be fun to plant and tend, but as soon as unwanted plants invade, the battle begins. Your best defense? Garden bed edging.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
You’ve planned, purchased plants (or started them from seeds), watered and babied your garden beds and now they’re starting to flourish. But what’s this? Rogue blades of grass and other lawn weeds are popping up in your garden and these uninvited plants are taking over! What you need to block those invaders is garden bed edging!
When you create a distinct border around your garden beds, you discourage lawn grass and creeping weeds from encroaching on your garden. Certain grass species spread by producing tillers (a new stem with more leaf blades that forms off to the side of the main plant), rhizomes (underground runners) or stolons (above ground runners). Also, invasive broadleaf weeds, such as creeping Charlie, aggressively spread (even from one yard to the next!) and can take over a garden bed in no time. It’s time to fight back.
You can install garden bed edging any time, but it’s best to do it when the garden isn’t in full bloom—you’ll damage the plants along the edges. Early spring or later in fall is a great time for this DIY project. There are lots of ways to edge a garden bed. These are our favorites:
Metal Garden Edging
Metal garden edging provides a subtle separation between your lawn and garden. We recommend aluminum instead of steel because aluminum is lighter, stiffer and it won’t rust.
Concrete and Brick Pavers
Concrete and brick pavers are very effective against grass creep. They are available in a wide range of colors and, when installed properly, will last a long time. (Did you know you can cover a boring concrete patio with attractive pavers? Here’s how!)
Raised Bed Border
Creating a raised bed border, in essence a very short wall, around a garden bed adds depth and texture while warding off unwanted plants.
Plastic Edging
Photo: Courtesy of Sustainable Supply
Plastic edging can be extremely unattractive if its not installed properly or if it gets damaged and is not replaced. However, if you install this border correctly and maintain it, it functions well and is less expensive that other options.
Trench Edging
Another alternative is a natural edge that we call trench edging with mulch borders. This method is the least noticeable way to keep pesky weeds and grass out of your garden beds.
Now, choose your favorite garden edge option and defeat unwanted grass and weeds.
Keep all weeds at bay throughout your landscape with our ultimate guide to a weed-free yard.
