Edging Trench: Cutting a Spade Edge Without Materials
An edging trench is the simplest bed edge. Extension guides call it the least costly edge since it needs no hardscape.
The short answer
Kansas State Extension says to cut a trench or V shaped ditch 4 to 6 inches deep plus wide with an edger or sharp flat spade. Angle it toward the bed so grass roots cannot easily cross. Recut once or twice in the growing season. The cut edge also allows easy bed expansion.
What is a spade edge?
Kansas State Extension calls the cut edge the most basic plus least costly edging. No hardscape material is needed. The clean edge suits most styles. Illinois Extension says a well done edge forms a neat line between planting areas plus turf.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cut edge | No materials | All about edging |
| Clean line | Bed meets turf | Bed edges |
| Low cost | Most basic edge | All about edging |
How do you cut an edging trench?
Kansas State Extension says outline the bed with a rubber hose or heavy rope first. Use an edger or sharp flat spade. Cut 4 to 6 inches deep plus wide angled toward the bed. Illinois Extension says to cut with a sharp spade then remove the soil plus grass to form a small cliff.
Hose outline: sets the line. 4 to 6 inches: depth plus width. Small cliff: soil plus grass out.
How do you hold the edge crisp?
Kansas State Extension says the only care needed is recutting the edge once or twice during the season. Recut before grass becomes a nuisance. Hand edging is hard work, Illinois Extension says. It must be touched up once or twice a year. Maryland Extension suggests a simple map so beds fit the space first.
Recut: once or twice a season. Touch up: once or twice a year. Garden map: plan bed lines.
Troubleshooting
Grass across the edge: shallow cut. Recut to 4 inches.
Crumbling cliff: loose soil. Angle the cut toward the bed.
Edge fading: late recut. Cut before grass spreads.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on site planning see garden microclimates for cannabis and mulch for cannabis. Read planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout for layout. See raised beds for cannabis for bed building.
Sources
- All about edging, K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County
- Bed edges, University of Illinois Extension
- Planning a vegetable garden, University of Maryland Extension
FAQ
How deep should an edging trench be?
Dig it 4 to 6 inches deep plus wide per Kansas State Extension. An edge 4 inches deep can easily hold back bluegrass, Illinois Extension notes.
What tool cuts the edge?
Kansas State Extension says an edger or a sharp flat spade.
How often should you recut a spade edge?
Kansas State Extension says once or twice during the growing season before grass becomes a nuisance.
Can the bed grow later?
Yes. Kansas State Extension says a cut edge allows for easy garden expansion.
Can you fill the trench with material later?
Illinois Extension says you can leave it hand edged or fill it with steel, wood, brick, stone or plastic.
