There’s more than you think to getting strong edges around each plot. Alister ran some workshops to show how it’s done.

This time of year is perfect for housekeeping jobs, such as tidying up the edges of the plots. Tidy edges help to demarcate the plots and the paths, to reduce the spread of weeds at the edges and, importantly, to avoid accidents when long edge grass hides a dip between the soil and the path.

Thanks to Alister for his expert advice. Talk to your TL if you’re interested in learning more.

You’ll need:

  • Edging iron
  • Sharp pair of edging shears
  • Decking board
  • String line – long enough to run the full length of the plot
  • 2 bricks
  • A small-ish fork – not a large digging fork but not a handheld one either
  • Small soil rake
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Bucket

All of these are available at the Farm.

Start by laying the guide line straight and tight. Anchor it with the bricks and lay the decking board against it. The bricks help to weigh down the line; for example, to get it to ground level when you’re aligning with an existing edge.

Use a shortish board that you can spread your feet across it. Too long and it can move on our uneven ground. It can also move if your feet aren’t anchoring it.

Cut against the line with your edging iron. Make sure your edging iron is the correct way round (some have a bulge on one side).

⁠When you continue the edge, such as after you have to move the line because it wasn’t long enough, start cutting from where you left off rather than starting from the far end and meeting in the middle. This helps to avoid a dog-leg.

Getting started

Dig out the weeds and grass up to your line. Shake off surplus soil so that we keep that on the plots. Cut some depth into the edge with your edging iron (don’t stand on your cut line!). Try to keep the edging iron vertical as you cut some depth into the edge and don’t use your feet to push it into the soil because you’ll start to become inaccurate. Flick surplus soil away from your cut edge onto the plot. You’re looking for a nice clean slope away from your line.

Digging out the edge

Clip the grass edges . Be careful to use the edging shears vertically (it can be easy to start cutting at an angle) and let one arm do the work while the other stays steady.

Keep your edges in good shape with a trim every other week. When the edges are tidy, people don’t tread on them which, in turn, helps to keep them in good shape.

Clipping the edges

Any more tips for strong edges? Let us know in a comment.