Picture a garden that's not just filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers but one that's beautifully framed like a work of art. This is the power of edging your mulch beds. While mulch provides numerous benefits to your garden, proper edging takes it to the next level by adding a touch of elegance, organization, and definition to your landscape. In this blog post, we'll dive into the importance of edging your mulch beds and guide you through the step-by-step process to achieve those crisp, clean edges that will leave your garden looking like a professional masterpiece.
Acquiring the Right Tools
To begin your edging journey, equip yourself with the right tools. You can choose either an edging tool or a straight edge shovel. While an edging tool is specifically designed for this task, a shovel can also do the job effectively if you're looking to save on expenses. We often like to use a flat or flat-scoop shovel (see image below) because it has those sharp corners that help dig into the soil more easily. Whichever you choose, remember that precision is key.
Determining Bed Shape
Decide on the shape you want for your mulch bed before starting the edging process. Do you prefer gentle curves, clean lines, or flowing contours? Consider the existing layout of your garden and the style you wish to achieve. Well-defined edges will not only improve the aesthetics but also make maintenance much easier in the long run.
Timing the Edging
Timing is essential when edging your mulch beds. Check your local weather forecast for anticipated rainfall, as this will soften the soil, making it easier to shape. Soft soil allows you to create smoother, more defined edges without much effort.
Mowing Your Lawn
Mow your lawn one to three days before the anticipated rainfall. Trimming the grass beforehand ensures that it doesn't interfere with the edging process, giving you a clear path to work on your mulch beds without any obstacles.
Tracing the Bed Shape
With the soil softened and the lawn neatly mowed, it's time to trace the shape of your mulch bed. Using your edging tool or straight edge shovel, create a straight cut along the desired edge of your bed. Take your time and make sure the line is as precise as possible. Note that in the image below, we've placed white arrows to show where you should trace. The tracing should be relatively straight down. At times you may have to angle it a bit away from the bed to get better leverage.
Performing the Back Cut
The back cut is where the magic happens. Now, scoop up the soil from the traced edge to meet your cut, creating a smooth, defined edge. Take it slow and steady, refining the shape as you go. The key is to maintain a consistent depth and angle to achieve a professional look. Note that in the image below, we've placed white arrows to show how the back cut should be made. It should be perpendicular and in the direction of the beautiful trace you've already made!
Removing the Soil
After performing the back cut, remove the excess soil from the bed. You can repurpose this soil for other areas of your garden or compost it for later use. The goal is to have a clear and clean bed that's ready for mulching.
Placing Your Mulch
Once your bed is prepared, spread a generous layer of mulch evenly across the area. Mulch not only provides aesthetic benefits but also helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Achieving that Crispy Edge Look
To finish off your perfectly edged mulch bed, use a trimmer to tidy up any remaining uneven grass or stray edges. This step is the secret to achieving that crisp, professional appearance that will make your garden stand out.
Edging your mulch beds is a game-changer that elevates your garden's overall appearance and functionality. The process of shaping and defining your beds with precision adds a touch of sophistication, turning your landscape into a work of art. With the right tools, timing, and technique, you can transform your garden into a haven of beauty and elegance. So, grab your edging tool or shovel and embark on this exciting journey to create stunning mulch beds that will delight and inspire you for years to come.
