I once heard a radio interview with the person at NASA who recruits candidates into the astronaut program. At one point in the interview the host asked the expert a simple question, “What qualities make someone a good potential astronaut?”
Now with such a question I expected a long treatise on the engineering brain, the importance of complex problem solving thought patterns, self-reliance and fearlessness. What I didn’t expect was a one line answer …“ I ask them just one question,” she responded. “May I see your garage?”
But the reasoning is brilliant and it came in two parts: First, the very best astronaut prospect will have an impeccable garage with everything in its place (don’t want to be wandering around the space shuttle looking for a screw driver when the oxygen generator is on the fritz!), and two, the very worst astronaut prospect will open the garage door and immediately start to tell you about all the things he/she is going to do to organize the garage … “as soon as I …”)
But beyond boldly going where no one has gone before, I guess every field has its measuring sticks, its sign of experience and expertise and attention to detail. And the garden is no exception.
Edging garden beds is one of those things that on the outside one, seems like a minor and fussy detail, but isn’t, two, looks easy, but isn’t, and three, can be done with any old garden implement … but definitely can’t.
Having neatly defined edges along your garden beds and lawns makes a huge difference in making your landscape look polished and professional Crisp, clean lines between beds, lawns, walkways and hardscapes provide visual structure and really finish the look But achieving that perfect edge takes the right tools. I’ve tested numerous options over the years and these are my top 5 go-to bed edging tools.
Half-Moon Edgers
The classic half-moon edger is purpose-built for edging garden beds. The curved blade slices horizontally into grass and soil to cut a crisp edge along your beds when you stand on the foot platform and pull the handles toward you. Models with 8-10 inch blades work well for general use. Go for the 12-18 inch sizes for edging overgrown and wider areas. I like the pistol grip handle models for maximum control and aim. The half-moon shape hugs the bed edge tightly.
Vertical Edgers
As the name suggests, vertical edgers slice down vertically into the ground with a V-shaped blade instead of horizontal cutting action. This type of motion is easier on your back. Vertical edgers utilize more of an arm motion than needing to bend over as with horizontal edgers. Look for solid thick steel blades and large foot pads for applying downward force. Some vertical edger models even allow you to plant bulbs in the slit created while edging.
Step Edgers
Step edgers integrate a horizontal foot platform with a vertical cutting blade Simply step down on the bar to press the blade into the ground in one easy motion, This gives you excellent leverage and control Step edgers allow you to cleanly edge lengthy stretches quickly, Some models like the Step-N-Edge have wheels so you can roll the edger along hands-free as you work, Others feature two angled blades allowing you to edge both sides of a bed or path at once,
Power Edgers
Convert your gas or electric string trimmer into an edger by adding a dedicated edger guide wheel attachment. As the trimmer line spins it cleanly slices through grass and soil effortlessly cutting crisp edges along beds sidewalks and driveways. Power edgers make quick work of long edging jobs. Use optional accessories like curb guards to protect sprinklers and lights from damage while power edging. Always wear protective eyewear when using string trimmers.
Edging Guides
Edging guides provide you with a straight reference line to follow as you spade edge beds. This ensures you cut an absolutely straight edge. Metal edging guides with sharp cutting blades that anchor into the ground offer maximum precision. But even simple wood planks create a good visual edging guide. Use straight 1×2 or 2×2 lumber lengths. Secure guides so they don’t shift and maintaining your line.
Some other factors to consider when selecting the best edging tools include:
- Bed size – Larger beds warrant more heavy duty edgers with more leverage.
- Edging frequency – Occasional touchups allow basic tools like spades. Frequent edging calls for dedicated edging tools.
- User height/strength – Look for ergonomic tools sized for your stature. Step tools provide more leverage.
- Mobility – Vertical edgers accommodate users with back issues. Wheeled edgers provide most ease of use.
- Precision – Guides or anchors ensure straight lines. Freehand edging requires more skill.
- Budget – Inexpensive spades vs. premium power and step edgers. Prioritize blade strength.
No matter which edging tool you choose, always opt for the highest quality steel blades possible. The durability and cutting action will be markedly better than cheaper lightweight options. Proper sturdy gloves, eye protection, and closed toe shoes are a must for safety. Ensure there are no hidden utilities under beds before edging. With the right preparation and tools, you can achieve gorgeous straight edged beds and maintain them with ease all season long. Your landscape will look like a professional tended it!
Half-Moon Edger Technique Tips
After selecting a quality half-moon edger, proper technique is key to achieving flawless edges:
- Edge when soil is moist but not muddy for clean cuts
- Remove weeds along edges first so they don’t obstruct the blade
- Use a hose or edging guide for straight lines
- Cut vertically down into soil first, then slice horizontally
- Remove strips of sod/grass to leave defined soil line
- Replenish bed edges with fresh mulch after edging
- Edge around trees, shrubs and hardscapes for visual definition
- Plan to edge beds in early spring and again in fall
Let’s look at some of the most popular manual half-moon edger models on the market:
Bulldog Half Moon Edger
- Solid steel half moon blade
- Cushioned grip handles
- 10 inch blade width
This Bulldog edger is a workhorse at an affordable price point. The blade stays sharp and slides easily through soil. The cushioned grips help absorb vibration and shock. A handy hanging hole allows for garage storage. For light to medium home garden edging, the Bulldog gets the job done.
Truper Half Moon Edger
- Heat treated solid steel blade
- 20 inch extended blade length
- Wood handle with steel collar
Truper makes one of the longest hand edger blades on the market at 20 inches. This extra length allows you to edge even heavily overgrown beds with ease. The ergonomic wood handle provides a comfortable secure grip when pulling the substantial blade through soil and grass. It’s a top choice for frequent deep edging of larger gardens.
Corona Half Moon Edger
- Forged alloy steel blade
- Pistol grip handle
- 10 inch blade width
Corona’s pistol grip handled half moon edger provides optimal control and aim thanks to the in-line handle alignment. The forged steel maintains a sharp edge even with regular use. At just over 2 lbs, it’s lightweight enough for extended edging sessions. I’m a big fan of the grip/handle design for accuracy in achieving clean edges.
Fiskars Half Moon Lawn Edger
- Lifetime warranty
- Low profile ergo grip handles
- 9 inch blade width
Fiskars is known for quality tools and this half moon edger is no exception. The hardened steel maintains its edge despite heavy use. Low profile handles provide a close to the ground grip for increased leverage and reduced back strain. Fiskars’ outstanding lifetime warranty provides true peace of mind with your investment. Overall an ideal edger for frequent deep cuts.
Yard Butler Lawn Edger
- Vertical edging design
- Steel blade & aluminum handles
- Bulb planting notch
As a vertical edger, the Yard Butler utilizes more of a downward pressing motion which is easier on the back. Vertical cuts also suit certain bed layouts and edges better. The V-shape steel blade slices deep and the width allows ample sod removal. A bonus is the slot for planting spring bulbs while edging! Made in the USA and affordably priced given the unique design.
Half-Moon vs Vertical Edgers
So when should you choose a traditional horizontal angle half-moon edger vs. a vertical edger? Here’s a quick comparison of the two popular designs:
Half-Moon Edgers
- Best for longer straight bed edges
- Horizontal slicing action preferred for defined edge cuts
- Gripping handles provide control for precision edging
- Various blade lengths available from 8 to over 20 inches
Vertical Edgers
- Downward pressing action easier on back
- Allow better leverage for taller users
- V-shape access useful for bulb planting
- Tend to be lighter weight than half-moon models
- Blade widths average 5-7 inches
While half-moon edgers are the more common choice, vertical edgers have their place for specific edging needs and user ergonomics. Evaluate your particular garden layout, edge length needs, bed accessibility and your height/strength to determine which design suits you best. Proper edging technique also varies slightly between the two tools.
Power Edger Attachments
For quick edging of lengthy perimeter beds and driveways, a power edger attachment on your string trimmer really saves time and effort. Here are some top options:
Ryobi Expand-It Edger Attachment
Fits Ryobi One+ 18v string trimmers. Wheel guide rolls along edge.
Ego Power+ Edger Attachment
Designed for Ego Power+ electric trimmers. Adjustable edging depth.
Echo Edger Attachment
Compatible with all Echo SRM model trimmers. Sturdy metal guard.
Troy-Bilt Edger Attachment
Fits most Troy-Bilt 25-29cc gas trimmers. Roller guide.
Craftsman Edger Attachment
Made to fit Craftsman 25cc and larger trimmers. Depth control.
Always wear protective glasses when using any power tools like string trimmers and edgers. Avoid stones and debris that could be flung out. Power edging makes fast work of even lengthy landscape edges.
Choosing Wisely Saves Time & Effort
Having the right edging tools makes maintaining crisp, clean
What does bed edging add to your garden?
First, it is a clear sign to the observer that this gardener cares about the details. It’s a bit like polishing your shoes before Sunday service or ironing that errant crease out of your slacks before walking out the door. It says to your garden guest that you’re not just inviting them into your garden, you’re giving them your very best.
Second, a properly edged bed goes a long way to helping your overall garden design hold together. While we often forget it, bed lines create the motion, direction and personality of the garden. Sloppy bed edges offer unwanted distractions — a bit like a drip of paint on the Mona Lisa’s smile.
How do you properly edge a garden bed?
Pffft … edging? Isn’t that just digging a trench around the perimeter of your planting bed? Not so fast, grasshopper. Allow me to let you in on a little secret. Edging takes practice. Straight lines require a guide — usually a tightly stretched string or other item to help you keep your lines straight. Curved lines also need a guide. Without a guide you inevitably end up shaving a bit off this side and a bit off that, over and over again, until you run out of lawn.
Once you have the line established you start at one end and work slowly and consistently, making a sharp cut in the sod and removing a wedge of sod and soil. A well cut edge should be about 4-inches deep to provide both a good visual line and an easy to maintain border between bed and lawn.
CLEAN EDGES using ONE simple tool / Edge Beds like a PRO
FAQ
What tool is best for edging a garden?
Spear and Jackson edging shears – If you’ve got a sizeable garden with a decent amount of paving or pathways, these shears would be a sensible choice.
What do professionals use for edging?
Concrete is a terrific choice when it comes to landscape edging as it offers unmatched durability and versatility.Mar 23, 2023
What do landscapers use to edge beds?
In addition to manually edging lawns, aluminum and plastic lawn edging products are available to help simplify lawn maintenance by creating a physical barrier between turf and landscape features such as flower beds, hardscapes, pathways, and trees.
What edging tools should a gardener use?
From hand tools like pruners and shovels to power tools like drills and saws, these are all quality edging tools for any gardener. Examples of hand edging tools are spades, half-moon edger, stepping’ edger (lawn edger), edging shears, Wilkinson sword, garden weasel, and hand shears. 1. Pruners/Shears
What is an edging tool?
An edging tool is a garden tool used to create the boundary between your plants and the rest of your lawn or garden. With one, you can edge small areas, such as flower beds, or entire large gardens. Edgings can be made by hand with various tools like shovels, pruners, and rakes. They can also be done with power tools like saws and drills.
How do you edging a garden bed?
Here are four common tools for edging a garden bed. Edging a bed with a spade is pretty simple. Just line it up where you want your edge, and step down onto it to dig out the sod you want to remove. Pros: You probably already have a spade in your tool collection. You won’t need any extra tools. Spades don’t require electricity or gas.
Do edging tools make a difference?
As the growing season begins, crisp, well-defined garden edges can make all the difference in giving your landscape a polished, professional look. Whether you’re tidying up lawn borders, reshaping garden beds, or maintaining pathways, the right edging tool can save you time and effort while delivering precise results.
What is a lawn edger tool?
Learn More › Regardless of the size, style, or complexity of your landscape, a lawn edger tool will help you keep it looking its best. Lawn edgers are steel-bladed tools used to define crisp, semipermanent grass edge lines along driveway, sidewalks, curbs, and landscape beds.
How do you edging a lawn with a spade?
Removing the turf is essential for edging a lawn to separate your garden bed from the rest of the yard. With the garden spade, deepen the cut to between four to six inches and pull up the turf at a 90-degree angle. This angle is important for later steps.