DIY Garden Bed Edging Ideas: 12 Budget-Friendly Projects

Why Garden Bed Edging Matters

Clean garden bed edges do more than look great—they prevent grass from invading your flower beds, reduce maintenance time, and increase your home's curb appeal. Here are 12 DIY edging projects ranging from free to under $100.

Budget-Friendly Edging Ideas

1. Trench Edging (FREE)

**Cost:** Free (just labor)

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Time:** 1-2 hours per 20 feet

How to Create:

**Grandpa Ron's Tip:** "This is what we used back in the day, and it's still the cleanest look. Just re-cut edges twice a year in spring and fall."

2. Recycled Brick Edging ($0-50)

**Cost:** Free if salvaged, $0.50-1.00 per brick new

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Time:** 2-3 hours per 20 feet

How to Create:

**Local Tip:** Check Facebook Marketplace in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Lexington for free salvaged bricks from demolitions.

3. Natural Stone Border ($20-80)

**Cost:** $20-80 depending on stone type

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Time:** 2-4 hours per 20 feet

Ohio/Kentucky Stone Options:

4. Steel Landscape Edging ($40-80)

**Cost:** $40-80 for 20 feet

**Difficulty:** Moderate

**Time:** 2-3 hours per 20 feet

**Pros:** Clean modern look, lasts 20+ years, easy curves

**Cons:** Requires cutting, can be sharp during installation

Installation Tips:

5. Wood Log Edging ($0-30)

**Cost:** Free with fallen logs, $20-30 for cedar

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Time:** 1-2 hours per 20 feet

Best Woods for Our Climate:

6. Concrete Paver Edge ($50-100)

**Cost:** $50-100 for 20 feet

**Difficulty:** Moderate

**Time:** 3-4 hours per 20 feet

Modern Options:

7. Plastic Pound-In Edging ($15-30)

**Cost:** $15-30 for 20 feet

**Difficulty:** Very Easy

**Time:** 30 minutes - 1 hour per 20 feet

**Best For:** Quick solutions, rental properties

**Note:** Less durable than other options (3-5 years)

8. Mulch Moat Edging (FREE)

**Cost:** Free (uses existing mulch)

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Time:** 1 hour per 20 feet

Create a 3-4 inch "moat" of mulch between lawn and beds. Re-apply mulch annually.

9. Aluminum Edging ($60-100)

**Cost:** $60-100 for 20 feet

**Difficulty:** Moderate

**Time:** 2-3 hours per 20 feet

**Pros:** Never rusts, professional look, tight curves possible

10. Woven Willow/Branch Border ($0-20)

**Cost:** Free with yard materials, $20 for purchased willow

**Difficulty:** Moderate (requires weaving skill)

**Time:** 4-6 hours per 20 feet

**Cottage Garden Style:** Creates a charming, rustic look perfect for Ohio farmhouse aesthetics.

11. Concrete Curb (Poured) ($80-150)

**Cost:** $80-150 for 20 feet

**Difficulty:** Advanced

**Time:** Full day project

**Permanent Solution:** Lasts 30+ years with proper installation

12. Rubber Mulch Border ($40-70)

**Cost:** $40-70 for 20 feet

**Difficulty:** Very Easy

**Time:** 30 minutes per 20 feet

**Eco-Friendly:** Made from recycled tires, won't decompose

Tools You'll Need

Basic Edging Kit:

When to Edge in Ohio & Kentucky

Best Times:

**Avoid:** Frozen ground (winter), extremely wet soil (early spring)

Professional Edging Services

Not ready for a DIY project? Grandpa Ron's Lawncare offers professional edging installation and maintenance. We can create clean, lasting edges that require minimal upkeep.

Our edging services include: