HOW TO BUILD GARDEN BORDERS - Building garden borders is a great way to separate certain parts of your garden and it also helps keep plant beds in place and looking tidy. In this guide you can learn how to build garden borders, which also include tips on different materials you can use to create the borders.
Step 1
Measure the length of the flower bed or other area in your garden where you want to build a border. Once you have the length you’ll be able to order the right amount of materials you need to complete the job. You can build borders using a number of materials, including plastic, plywood, concrete, paving stone or even bricks.
Step 2
The types of materials you choose will dictate how they are installed, for instance wood or plastic can be held into place with small wooden or plastic stakes, while concrete, stone or brick can be cemented in place and provide a much stronger border.
Step 3
Once you have decided on the materials you want to use you need to start the project by digging a trench the length of the border area and to a width slightly larger that the width of the border material you are using. Once you have dug out your trench you can string a line from one end to the other, that’s if the border you are making is straight. If the border area is curved, then follow the curved line when digging the trench.
Step 4
If you are using concrete or stone you can lay a bed of mortar so that these become permanent and strong. If you decide on wood you need to make sure that the timber is treated. Even with treated timber it will still rot over time, but a treated timber will last longer compare to timber that is untreated. If you are looking for a long lasting and permanent border then use plastic and better yet stone, concrete or bricks.
Step 5
If you have elected for wood or plastic then place this in the trench and secure in place by tapping down with a mallet. Once the wood or plastic is in place you can secure the front and back with pegs. To make it stable, place a peg every 12 inches front and back.
Step 6
Once you have completed installing border material you need to back hoe the soil to cover the trench. Note that if you used concrete, stone or bricks and you cemented these in place, then ensure you leave the cement to cure for at least 48 hours before filling in the trench.
Step 7
You should now have a nice border around your flower bed or other part of your garden which will help keep the area tidy and prevent soil from spilling into other areas of your garden.
