How To Install Plastic Edging To Spruce Up Your Garden or Lawn

Measure Your Garden Beds or Outdoor Spaces

You'll first need to figure out exactly how much plastic or landscape edging you'll need and where. Use a tape measure to figure out the length you'll need to cover, then write down the dimensions to know what you'll need to cut later. You may find it helpful to DIY edge your lawn before taking your measurements and digging your trench. 

Remember, 60 feet of plastic edging for garden beds and outdoor spaces starts at around $30 at home improvement stores.

Uncoil Your Plastic Edging

Plastic edging typically comes in a coil and often maintains that shape once unraveled. You'll want straight plastic edging to work with to make the job as simple as possible, so uncoil it and set it in the sun for about 60 minutes first.

Set a rock or other lightweight object on each end if it keeps curling back to its original shape. Nothing too heavy, as you don't want to bend it too far.

*Feel free to skip this step if you’re installing edging around a circular perimeter. 

Dig a Trench for Your Plastic Edging

Photo: Smole/ Adobe Stock

The trench you dig needs to be at least 3 inches deep for plastic edging to fit. This helps secure the edging underground but allows for an extra 1/2-inch to 1-inch space above to help maintain uniformity around your garden's perimeter.

Pull up any weed-control fabric before you start digging.

Cut Your Edging To Fit Your Spaces

Use a pair of garden shears to cut your plastic edging according to your measurements. Set each strip down roughly where it needs to go on the edge of the trench.

Install Your Plastic Edging In the Trench

Place your edging in the trench you dug. Keep a trowel handy to dig or backfill any spaces. Before you begin hammering in stakes, you want it as even as possible.

Hammer In Landscape Stakes To Secure Your Edging

Photo: ronstik/iStock/ Getty Images

Place landscape stakes every 3 to 6 inches along the perimeter. Use a mallet to install them from the inside of the garden or flower bed for garden edging. (Don't use a metal hammer, as this will break the stakes.)

You may consider using plastic coupling to secure corners or odd angles together. If you made accurate cuts and backfilled properly, it may not be necessary.

Backfill Your Trench

Use a trowel or shovel to backfill dirt into the trench on both sides. Gently move the dirt to avoid shifting your new plastic edging, and gently pat it down with your hand. 

To help the dirt around the edging settle, lightly water your garden or flower bed.