Keep the Grass Out: The Power of a Well-Defined Border
Setting up your garden isn't just about the plants you choose; it's also about the layout. Learn from our experiences and avoid the mistakes we made when we initially placed raised beds on our lawn. Discover why a proper border is just as crucial as soil quality and watering routines. Let's explore the significance of garden borders and how they can transform your gardening experience. 🌿🏡
The Importance of a Garden Border
Imagine a well-painted room with clean lines - it's visually appealing and orderly. Your garden deserves the same attention to detail. When I first started my kitchen garden, I made the mistake of placing raised beds directly on the lawn. I soon realized that this setup made mowing and edging a nightmare. The lawnmower would scatter grass into my vegetable beds, and the edger damaged the carefully chosen cedar boards.
To make matters worse, persistent Bermuda grass started invading my garden beds, robbing my precious vegetables of essential resources.
That's when it became clear - to cultivate the plants I love (herbs, leafy greens, root crops, and fruiting plants), I needed to eliminate the plants I didn't (grass) and establish a clear boundary to keep the remaining grass at bay.
I surrounded my entire kitchen garden with a border and spread gravel around the raised beds, and it was a game-changer.
The Best Materials for Creating a Garden Border
You have a plethora of options when it comes to selecting materials for your garden border. Choose one that suits your style and practicality preferences:
Bricks or Stone: These materials offer timeless beauty but may require more effort to install.
Small Boxwoods or Hedge-Like Plants: Perfect for a more natural, organic look.
High-Quality Steel Edging: A sleek and durable choice that's easy to work with.
Hard Plastic Commercial Landscape Edging: A practical and budget-friendly option.
Ornate Edging: Best for separating inorganic materials.
Consider factors like sturdiness, appearance, height, and durability when choosing your border material.
Calculating Your Border Material Needs
Measure the length and width of your garden space, and use this formula to determine the total footage of material needed:
2(length of garden area in feet) + 2(width of garden area in feet) = total feet of material needed
For example, if your garden space is 30 feet long and 10 feet wide:
2(30 feet) + 2(10 feet) = 80 feet of material
Keep in mind that if you only need to border three sides because an existing structure serves as the fourth border, adjust the calculation accordingly.
How to Install Garden Edging
Follow these steps to install your garden border:
Prepare the Border Line: Use stakes and string to create a straight line along the border. This step is crucial to ensure a professional-looking finish.
Dig a Trench: Dig a trench around the entire garden perimeter. The depth should be sufficient to hold your border material securely.
Set Your Border Material: Install your chosen border material in the trench. For steel edging, pay attention to corners and use a mallet or wood block to secure it in place.
With your border in place, your garden will not only look more polished but also be easier to maintain. Say goodbye to invasive grass and enjoy a garden that's both functional and beautiful! 🌼🪴🌞