Everyone loves a tidy garden, but few have what it takes to make it that way. It all starts with the neatly edged garden bed that needs to be prepared before anything is even planted. Believe it or not, this genius hack using only a 2×6 will give you the sharpest-edged bed possible, setting the scene for a great growing season.
Having polished garden bed edges gives your yard a professionally landscaped look. But with this hack, you can scrap the landscapers and do it all yourself, as the 2×6 takes away the guessing game of figuring out how to create perfectly-straight and consistent lines and edges. Let’s start with the necessary supplies and gardening tools you’ll need. First, look for a 2×6 that’s the desired length of your garden bed. If you cannot find one large enough to fit the length of your garden bed, you’ll need to drag the board along the edge of the bed and keep it as straight as possible throughout. You’ll also want to have your favorite spade or shovel handy.
How to use a 2×6 to get a sharply edged garden bed
Now it’s time to start digging that edge. Lay your wooden 2×6 down along the desired edge of your garden bed. Then, press your spade down, flush against the wooden board on the side furthest away from you. Using your foot, step on the spade and drive it down into your lawn. Continue along the 2×6 until you are satisfied with the size. Now repeat this process all the way around the garden bed, moving the board as needed to create the shape you want. Ray Baker, a designer and architect, advised (via Fine Gardening) that for a professional finish, aim for a 90-degree edge angle, cutting about 4 to 6 inches deep.
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if you don’t get it your garden edges right the first time. Remember that the angle and depth are important when creating a garden bed as your cut can make a significant difference in the health of your garden. Making an edge with a clear outward slope creates a barrier that makes it harder for grass and weeds to invade your flower beds. After shaping, fill your bed with your favorite type of mulch or topsoil, and regularly run a hand edger or spade along the edge to redefine it, cutting back any rebellious grass. Depending on the speed of your grass growth, this could be a monthly or bi-weekly task.
Benefits of a sharply edged garden bed
The sharply-edged garden bed not only makes your garden look tidy, but it also emphasizes the colors and textures of your plants, creating a beautiful contrast you would not otherwise have. It also makes mulching easier, thanks to the elevation difference and incline, and it will prevent mulch from sliding off the bed in heavy rain or wind. Neatly-edged garden beds protect your plants from heavy rainfall runoff, and it even helps with maintenance, giving your garden bed clear, unmissable boundaries when mowing or weed-whacking.
There is a lot to learn in the gardening world, and it all starts with a properly made bed for your plant friends. With a bit of practice and regular maintenance, your neighbors will soon be wondering which professional landscaper you’ve hired — little do they know! Enjoy your upgraded gardening skills all thanks to this simple yet effective hack with a 2×6!
